Scared to death about red rash followed by dry cracked skin on penis

[kevo81]

Hi. About 11 days ago I engaged in unprotected sex with a girl who still swears she's clean of any std's. About 9 days after the act, the right side of the head of my penis became covered in painless red rash. The rash consisted of small, almost impossible to make out red bumps, surrounded by reddened, irritated-looking blotches.  These gave way to a dry, cracked appearance on the right side of the penis head, with some of the cracks stretching towards the left side. I am experiencing no itchiness, but slight pain if the cracks are jostled. I'm scared to death. I'm convinced it's herpes, as a few websites have stated that painless redness or dry areas can be considered atypical symptoms of herpes. I'm going to get tested for std's tommorrow, but my anxiety is eating me alive. Please help me. Thanks.

[felicia20]

A related discussion, is it a std or irritation was started.

[brety]

Hi,
    My name is Vinay Kumar, I am writing from India. I have a problem with skin getting thickened and terrible itching . It started since when I was 15 years old and now I am 25. The problem is getting worse
day by day.The problem is only on the testis. It has become completely black I have consulted many skin specialists, They have told me that there is no infection in the skin and they have given some tablets,but it didnot work. If any thing touches that part then it starts itching terribly.
Can you please send me a solution
regards
Vinay Kumar

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

OK, I'll try.  Your description sounds like irritation.  It does not sound like herpes.  I I think you will find that all is OK, when you go tomorrow.  Meantime, just use vaseline or the equivalent to soothe the skin.  Also, avoid unprotected sex from now on.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff