Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Do I just have balanitis or perhaps herpes?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Do I just have balanitis or perhaps herpes?
by GRZ, Aug 26, 2005 12:00AM
Hi guys,
A little concerned. A few days ago I noticed I had a rash on my thigh, causing some itchiness. Didn't worry much about it until I noticed a couple days after that that there was some redness/irritation on the crown of the penis. I had been swimming a lot, and continued wearing my damp swim trunks for several hours after leaving the pool. From what I've read online, sounds like it could be something like balanitis. Of course I was concerned about herpes, so I made an appt. at a clinic.
Went to a clinic today - the nurse practitioner said the rash on my leg
"was definitely not herpes" and that the rash on the penis "does not look like herpes at all." In other words it is not the typical blistering, etc.
Also, the last sexual contact was five or six weeks ago - so is this outside the window for getting symptoms (if I were to have contracted it with that partner). No fever or other "first time" HSV type symptoms.
The rashy area on the penis is sort of a oval-shaped ring of redness with a slightly darker center. There is some sensitivity and occassional mild itching.
The NP prescribed an antifungal/cortisone cream. Should I be concerned about herpes? I can't help but feel a little worried. Should I get the bloodtest for herpes?
Thoughts?
A little concerned. A few days ago I noticed I had a rash on my thigh, causing some itchiness. Didn't worry much about it until I noticed a couple days after that that there was some redness/irritation on the crown of the penis. I had been swimming a lot, and continued wearing my damp swim trunks for several hours after leaving the pool. From what I've read online, sounds like it could be something like balanitis. Of course I was concerned about herpes, so I made an appt. at a clinic.
Went to a clinic today - the nurse practitioner said the rash on my leg
"was definitely not herpes" and that the rash on the penis "does not look like herpes at all." In other words it is not the typical blistering, etc.
Also, the last sexual contact was five or six weeks ago - so is this outside the window for getting symptoms (if I were to have contracted it with that partner). No fever or other "first time" HSV type symptoms.
The rashy area on the penis is sort of a oval-shaped ring of redness with a slightly darker center. There is some sensitivity and occassional mild itching.
The NP prescribed an antifungal/cortisone cream. Should I be concerned about herpes? I can't help but feel a little worried. Should I get the bloodtest for herpes?
Thoughts?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 28, 2005 12:00AM
, Aug 28, 2005 12:00AM
Ho, you shouldn't still be worried. Your description matches balanitis, not herpes. So I think you should accept the nurse's diagnosis and follow her instructions (although I doubt you need the fungal part of the cream.) Just apply the cream, don't rub at it, and you should be fine.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Dr. Rockoff