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HERPES OBSESSION
APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS AGO I HAD PROTECTED SEX WITH A WOMEN WHO'S STD STATUS I DID NOT KNOW. A WEEK LATER I HAD A RASH OR GENERAL REDNESS ON BOTH SIDES OF MY SCROTUM. A WEEK FOLLOWING THIS AFTER USING VARIOUS CREAMS ETC,SOME OF WHICH BURNED THE TOP OF MY FORESKIN I DEVELOPED A FEW RAZOR TYPE BURNS ON AND AROUND MU FORESKIN...THEY NEVER BLISTERED BUT WERE A BIT SORE AND WENT AWAY IN ABOUT A WEEK.
I SUSEQUENTLY SAW A UROOGIST A HE THOUGHT I HAD A FUNGAL INFECTION BUT AFTER APPLYING ANTI FUNGAL CREAMS THERE WAS NO IMPROVEMENT. I ALSO EXPERIENCED PENILE PAIN AND THE UROLOGIST DID A SCOPE WHICH WAS NORMAL.
I THEN SAW A DERMATOLOGIST AND SHE PRESCRIBED A STRONG STEROID CREAM(DERMATOP) AFTER THREE WEEKS STILL NO IMPROVEMENT...A CULTURE FOR A FUNGAL INFECTION WAS NEGATIVE AS WAS A VIRAL SWAB BUT THERE WERE NO LESIONS SO THE VIRAL SWAB WAS QUESTIONABLE.
THE UROLOGIST GAVE ME A PERSCRIPTION FOR VALTREX AT MY INSISTANCE TO SEE IF THAT WOULD CLEAR UP THE INFLAMED SKIN ON MY SCROTUM AND THE TOP OF MY FORESKIN. AFTER TEN DAYS OF TWO/DAY VALTREX THERE IS STILL NO IMPROVEMENT AND IN FACT THE RASH HAS EVEN FLARED UP WHILE USING THE VALTREX.BOTH DOCTORS HAVE CONFERRED AND ARE AT A LOSS FOR WHAT IS CAUSING THIS,ALTHOUGH THE DERATOLOGIST SUGGESTED THAT THE ANXIETY AND STRESS THAT I AM GENERATING ABOUT THIS COULD BE THE PROBLEM. SHE ALSO SAID THAT IN A HEALTHY PERSON(I RUN 20 MILES/WEEK AND HAVEN'T HAD AS MUCH AS A COLD IN FIVE YEARS)HERPES WOULD NOT PRESENT AS A RASH OR REDNESS FOR THREE MONTHS.
THIS CONDITION IS CAUSING A LOT OF STRESS IN MY LIFE AS BOTH OF THESE RESPECTED DOCTORS CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT THIS IS.
MY QUESTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS
1)AFTER THE INITIAL RAZOR BURN TYPE OF PRESENTATION WOULD A HERPES INFECTION CONTINUE FOR OVER THREE MONTHS AS MERELY A REDNESS COVERING MOST OF MY SCROTUM?
2)COULD STRESS CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBLEM i.e. AM I IN A VICIOUS CYCLE HERE AND COULD THE STRESS CAUSE OR SIMULATE PENILE DISCOMFORT.
3)WOULD A HERPES TEST BE MEANINGFUL GIVEN I HAVE NO OPEN LESIONS TO CULTURE?
AND FINALLY,DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT THIS MIGHT BE AND WHO SHOULD I SEE NEXT AFTER HAVING BEEN EXAMINED BY BOTH A TOP UROGIST AND DERATOLOGIST(PERHAPS AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE DOCTOR)?
I SUSEQUENTLY SAW A UROOGIST A HE THOUGHT I HAD A FUNGAL INFECTION BUT AFTER APPLYING ANTI FUNGAL CREAMS THERE WAS NO IMPROVEMENT. I ALSO EXPERIENCED PENILE PAIN AND THE UROLOGIST DID A SCOPE WHICH WAS NORMAL.
I THEN SAW A DERMATOLOGIST AND SHE PRESCRIBED A STRONG STEROID CREAM(DERMATOP) AFTER THREE WEEKS STILL NO IMPROVEMENT...A CULTURE FOR A FUNGAL INFECTION WAS NEGATIVE AS WAS A VIRAL SWAB BUT THERE WERE NO LESIONS SO THE VIRAL SWAB WAS QUESTIONABLE.
THE UROLOGIST GAVE ME A PERSCRIPTION FOR VALTREX AT MY INSISTANCE TO SEE IF THAT WOULD CLEAR UP THE INFLAMED SKIN ON MY SCROTUM AND THE TOP OF MY FORESKIN. AFTER TEN DAYS OF TWO/DAY VALTREX THERE IS STILL NO IMPROVEMENT AND IN FACT THE RASH HAS EVEN FLARED UP WHILE USING THE VALTREX.BOTH DOCTORS HAVE CONFERRED AND ARE AT A LOSS FOR WHAT IS CAUSING THIS,ALTHOUGH THE DERATOLOGIST SUGGESTED THAT THE ANXIETY AND STRESS THAT I AM GENERATING ABOUT THIS COULD BE THE PROBLEM. SHE ALSO SAID THAT IN A HEALTHY PERSON(I RUN 20 MILES/WEEK AND HAVEN'T HAD AS MUCH AS A COLD IN FIVE YEARS)HERPES WOULD NOT PRESENT AS A RASH OR REDNESS FOR THREE MONTHS.
THIS CONDITION IS CAUSING A LOT OF STRESS IN MY LIFE AS BOTH OF THESE RESPECTED DOCTORS CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT THIS IS.
MY QUESTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS
1)AFTER THE INITIAL RAZOR BURN TYPE OF PRESENTATION WOULD A HERPES INFECTION CONTINUE FOR OVER THREE MONTHS AS MERELY A REDNESS COVERING MOST OF MY SCROTUM?
2)COULD STRESS CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROBLEM i.e. AM I IN A VICIOUS CYCLE HERE AND COULD THE STRESS CAUSE OR SIMULATE PENILE DISCOMFORT.
3)WOULD A HERPES TEST BE MEANINGFUL GIVEN I HAVE NO OPEN LESIONS TO CULTURE?
AND FINALLY,DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT THIS MIGHT BE AND WHO SHOULD I SEE NEXT AFTER HAVING BEEN EXAMINED BY BOTH A TOP UROGIST AND DERATOLOGIST(PERHAPS AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE DOCTOR)?
Six months ago I was diagnosed as having "non-specific balanitis."
I have had this condition for almost seven years; and I am 34 years old. (I saw a dermatologist regularly over this period, (every few months), but it was not until I sought a second opinion, that I got this aforementioned diagnosis).
The aetiology of this condition was a trauma from the application of a cortico-steroid that was prescribed for atopic dermatitis on my arms and neck; that cleared from my arms and neck almost immediately after application.
The structural damage to the glans penis is that the spongy tissue is no longer smooth, as it used to be, but is now cracked: including linear parallel ridges over a triangular region on top of the glans, (from my perspective, looking down), including a circular region around the urethra. As well, the glans is red and inflamed over the region where the linear parallel ridges are and around the urethra, (identically where I applied the aforementioned corto-steriod: Can this be a coincidence?).
I have not engaged in any form of sexual relations since this condition manifested itself. Needless to say, this is a source of considerable grief.
I have been using Protopic 0.03% (8 weeks), Protopic 0.1% (2 weeks), and 1% hydrocortisone mixed with aquaphor, glycerin, and water (6 months); and have seen little improvement.
QUESTION:
Is there reason to be optimistic about recovery? What is the best that can be expected? And, any suggestions for additional, or other, treatment?
I have had this condition for almost seven years; and I am 34 years old. (I saw a dermatologist regularly over this period, (every few months), but it was not until I sought a second opinion, that I got this aforementioned diagnosis).
The aetiology of this condition was a trauma from the application of a cortico-steroid that was prescribed for atopic dermatitis on my arms and neck; that cleared from my arms and neck almost immediately after application.
The structural damage to the glans penis is that the spongy tissue is no longer smooth, as it used to be, but is now cracked: including linear parallel ridges over a triangular region on top of the glans, (from my perspective, looking down), including a circular region around the urethra. As well, the glans is red and inflamed over the region where the linear parallel ridges are and around the urethra, (identically where I applied the aforementioned corto-steriod: Can this be a coincidence?).
I have not engaged in any form of sexual relations since this condition manifested itself. Needless to say, this is a source of considerable grief.
I have been using Protopic 0.03% (8 weeks), Protopic 0.1% (2 weeks), and 1% hydrocortisone mixed with aquaphor, glycerin, and water (6 months); and have seen little improvement.
QUESTION:
Is there reason to be optimistic about recovery? What is the best that can be expected? And, any suggestions for additional, or other, treatment?
I am also going through something very similiar. About 3 months ago I developed what I thought was a cold sore on my lip, I panicked never having a cold sore and got a prescription for Valtrex. I started taking Vlatrex and developed new symptoms within days, rash around my vagina area, burning sensations throughout including my eyes and nose area. I stopped taking the valtrex and the burning sensations have lessened but I still have the rash and a small red mark by my lip. I have tried everything from yeast medications, powders to make it go away and it just won't. It flares up and it is quite irritating. I went to my gynocologist twice to have my blood tested for herpes since I have no lesions and both times have come back negative. I also went to a dermatologist and she had no idea either saying maybe a possible food reaction. I am so tired of living with this. I don't know what else to do. I don't want to develop any new relationships afraid I have something. They basically told me too to calm down and that it is basically in my head. But how can you stay calm when everyday you are carrying this redmess and irritation around in a very private area. If it is not herpes then what is it? and what can I do to make it go away? Have you found anything out yet? I know exactly what you are going through and feel for you.
Listen to Dr. Rockoff. Period.
Hi Vance
I posted a very similar complaint a while ago and in response to mine someone posted almost exactly the same complaint and now yours.
I also went to a dermatoligist who basically told me the same thing, that it was all in my head. The concern I had (have) was that whilst being unfaithful did cause feelings of guilt in 14 years of marriage this was not the first time and in fact I had done "riskier" things in the past (unprotected sex) and never had any symptoms or concerns (nor did my wife). In this case though after protected sex I displayed these symptoms of the red irritation of the scrotum, ithching, tingling etc. and then my wife started getting "symptoms" as well, what appeared to be a viscious attack of thrush, she still has strange discharges and so on. The guy who responded to my post also said that two people he had sex with (after being told by various doctors that he was ok) also developed symptoms. So I can undertsand (maybe) my mind playing tricks with my body, but why would someone who has no reason to have the same mind suggestions also suffer some symptoms.
Anyway I would be interested to hear from you if anyone else you have sex with develops any symptoms. Mine have for the most part gone away, but the skin on my scrotum definately has different texture compared to before the episode.
regards
I posted a very similar complaint a while ago and in response to mine someone posted almost exactly the same complaint and now yours.
I also went to a dermatoligist who basically told me the same thing, that it was all in my head. The concern I had (have) was that whilst being unfaithful did cause feelings of guilt in 14 years of marriage this was not the first time and in fact I had done "riskier" things in the past (unprotected sex) and never had any symptoms or concerns (nor did my wife). In this case though after protected sex I displayed these symptoms of the red irritation of the scrotum, ithching, tingling etc. and then my wife started getting "symptoms" as well, what appeared to be a viscious attack of thrush, she still has strange discharges and so on. The guy who responded to my post also said that two people he had sex with (after being told by various doctors that he was ok) also developed symptoms. So I can undertsand (maybe) my mind playing tricks with my body, but why would someone who has no reason to have the same mind suggestions also suffer some symptoms.
Anyway I would be interested to hear from you if anyone else you have sex with develops any symptoms. Mine have for the most part gone away, but the skin on my scrotum definately has different texture compared to before the episode.
regards
What types of medication are good for penis irritation?
THANK YOU DOCTOR...I KNOW THE MIND CAN BE A POWERFULL STIMULATE TO THE BODY. I JUST DIDN'T REALIZE IT COULD MANIFEST REAL PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS. YOUR ANSWERE IS REASSURING.
VANCE
VANCE
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I believe your dermatologist is correct and so are you: this is not herpes, and you are indeed obsessed.
no, herpes cannot present as three months of redness. Cultures in the absence of characteristic lesions are not helpful, and blood tests are not much help either--a positive titter just means you were exposed to the virus at some point somewhere on your body. (On the other hand, a negative titer might be reassuring if your obsession remains impervious to other forms of reassurance.)
I believe that in your case stress (and perhaps frequent rubbing and examining of the area) is what's making the redness persist. My advice is to syop all active medications (antifungals, steroids) and just keep the area moist with vaseline or the equivalent. Also, do not touch or rub the skin unnecessarily.
If redness persists after 3 weeks, show your dermatologist again. But whatever she finds, it is far more likely to be irritation rather than herpes or any other infection.
At some point you will need to accept your non-herpes diagnosis and move on. If you can't, you should consider counseling to help you get past your fears. (I know you have actual, visible redness and symptoms; it's just that they aren't the symptoms of herpes.)
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
no, herpes cannot present as three months of redness. Cultures in the absence of characteristic lesions are not helpful, and blood tests are not much help either--a positive titter just means you were exposed to the virus at some point somewhere on your body. (On the other hand, a negative titer might be reassuring if your obsession remains impervious to other forms of reassurance.)
I believe that in your case stress (and perhaps frequent rubbing and examining of the area) is what's making the redness persist. My advice is to syop all active medications (antifungals, steroids) and just keep the area moist with vaseline or the equivalent. Also, do not touch or rub the skin unnecessarily.
If redness persists after 3 weeks, show your dermatologist again. But whatever she finds, it is far more likely to be irritation rather than herpes or any other infection.
At some point you will need to accept your non-herpes diagnosis and move on. If you can't, you should consider counseling to help you get past your fears. (I know you have actual, visible redness and symptoms; it's just that they aren't the symptoms of herpes.)
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
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