Fear of Herpes or other STD

[SILVERBOX]

Thank you for taking the time to condsider my question. I recognize this may not be the most informed question, however, I am scared and fear does odd things.

I am in a long term monogamous relationship. Approximately 2 weeks ago I attended an event at a gentlemen's strip club and received a few "lap dances".  I was fully clothed in a suit and the dancer wore a thong.  There was no direct skin to skin contact to my genital area.

I now have 2 small red pimples in the hair above my penis.  I also have an area of red chafing on the top of the shaft and some redness over a small portion of left scrotum.   I also have a large red pimple on the back of my neck which does not seem to be healing and a very small clear pin head sty on the bottom of my left eye,.  

My wife is being very supportive and actually thinks my fears are silly and guilt driven.  She sugggests the redness is common and likely due to moisture left after sex during which we use lubricated condoms.  She thinks the thing on my neck is a pimple or skin tag.

I have conviced myself I somehow contracted herpes and fear is running the show and perhaps causing me to look for symptoms.  I could use some sound medical advice, do any or all of the above sound consistent with herpes or any other std, what further diagnostic work-up is warranted, does the activity I describe place me at risk for herpes or any other std

Once again, thanks for taking the time to consider this question.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your wife sounds sensible and correct.  The symptoms you describe are not suggestive of herpes; instead, they suggest anxiety and attendance to various small spots and sensations you would otherwise (correctly) ignore.  It is theoretically possible to contract herpes from direct contact without vaginal penetration, but not through a suit.  Therefore, if things transpired as you say, I think you have nothing to worry about.  I'm glad to talked to your wife about ti, because that should make it easier for you to feel less guilty and be able to stop worrying.

If the penis chafing persists (it shouldn't), you can always have that looked into on its own terms.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[SILVERBOX]

Dr Rockoff, thank you so very much for the response. The sitiuation occurred as described. I do believe that but for the guilt and anxiety I would see the symptoms in a different light.

I do have a brief follow up if you don't mind.  This morning the chafing was more pronounced and actually appears as a series of small horizontal cuts which are now quite red and raw perhaps from rubbing as they do itch.  I think a visit with a dermatologist will be a good idea and add to peace of mind.  This will take about a week, in the meantime is Lotrimen ointment a good idea and if the area responds to topical Lotrimen what does this mean about about the cause, I assume herpes and other std's would not respond at all to lotrimen.  (AH THE ANXIOUS MIND WORKING OVERTIME)  Thanks for your time and consideration.

[Dlux]

Hey doc, I was wondering, because I've been anxious about having herpes too...see, I've had some redness on my penis that went away in about a day or two and now I've noticed dry skin sort of peeling off from where this small rash was. I've also been itchy all over my body with some similar looking rashes on hands...however, I've also been feeling almost dizzy at times and rundown with what seems a constant lurking headache...I know these are definite symptoms of herpes (haven't had any sores or lesions...yet, been only about 1 1/2 weeks since I first noticed symptoms), my question is, is there any skin condition or bacterial infection that might be causing these symptoms rather than herpes? I'm incredibly freaked out, please help.
Thanks

[Smapira]

A related discussion, Penis Chafing ? was started.