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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Confused a bit
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Confused a bit
by pinkfloyd, Dec 05, 2006 12:00AM
Thanks in advance for your help! 7-8 weeks ago I noticed a scab
on the right side of my penis, near the head. It was about half an inch long, and mostly ready to fall off. I tugged gently at it and it detached. No pain, no pimples, no pus, no swelling, no itching, no discharge, no pain with urination. About 2 weeks later I did experience some general body aches, but no high fever. Since I first noticed it, the skin has never fully healed but there are flakes of skin at the point where I had pulled the scab off that keep reappearing every 2-4 days. It hasn't hurt, but won't completely heal. The last sexual contact I had with anyone was 2 months+ prior to the appearance of the scab, and it was very brief oral contact (just a couple of seconds)...no vaginal or anal contact at all. As I look around the internet it causes more anxiety than clarity. My concern is herpes, yet this does not match most descriptions I read of how herpes presents itself. I know I have never experienced symptoms before for either oral or genital herpes. I had worked out before I noticed the scab and wonder if it was maybe just caused by friction with fabric...I don't know. Can you help my understand what this is and how I can best treat it?
on the right side of my penis, near the head. It was about half an inch long, and mostly ready to fall off. I tugged gently at it and it detached. No pain, no pimples, no pus, no swelling, no itching, no discharge, no pain with urination. About 2 weeks later I did experience some general body aches, but no high fever. Since I first noticed it, the skin has never fully healed but there are flakes of skin at the point where I had pulled the scab off that keep reappearing every 2-4 days. It hasn't hurt, but won't completely heal. The last sexual contact I had with anyone was 2 months+ prior to the appearance of the scab, and it was very brief oral contact (just a couple of seconds)...no vaginal or anal contact at all. As I look around the internet it causes more anxiety than clarity. My concern is herpes, yet this does not match most descriptions I read of how herpes presents itself. I know I have never experienced symptoms before for either oral or genital herpes. I had worked out before I noticed the scab and wonder if it was maybe just caused by friction with fabric...I don't know. Can you help my understand what this is and how I can best treat it?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 05, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 05, 2006 12:00AM
Doesn't sound anything like herpes. Minor trauma seems much more likely. Just leave it alone, keep it moist, and see if it doesn't heal in 2 weeks. If it doesn't, then consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. As far as cause, I vote for friction.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
