Herpes or Ecezema or other?

[worryman]

Hello,
To begin, I am an active 25 year old heterosexual male who works out daily (runs 20 miles a week and weight trains) and eats a balanced diet - I have not had many sexual partners
and had a full blood (HIV, etc) test last January that returned negative. Since then, I have had sex with only two women, both times protected with nonoxynol-9 condoms. I was treated last January for what was thought to be 'burned out condyloma', or genital warts at the base of my penis. I have not had any recurrance of these warts, and there is still the possibility that these may not have been warts(?).
About 6 months ago, I had sex with one of the women mentioned above. Again, protected using a condom. Now, about 3 months ago I began experiencing somewhat of an itch in my groin area - I had something similar the summer prior, where the itching got really bad between my scrotum and legs. I used a yeast infection cream, and the itch went away. I assume that was some type of fungal infection?
So, back to my current situation. This itch was localized under
my scrotum, right where the scrotal skin begins. No sores or blisters, just a really bad, dry, persistent itch. Foolishly, I would at times itch it to relieve it, which only inflammed it again. My scrotum would feel very warm and red, as well. The itching would be particularly bad right as I woke in the morning, after sleeping. I also had slight itching and irritation again in the crease between my leg and groin area. I even noticed very small, what appeared to be insect bites down there, but they never itched too bad nor did they blister.
There have been no sores, lesions, or blisters whatsoever on my
penis. I have not had any pain in urination, or abdominal pain to my knowledge.
I do have somewhat of a discoloration of the skin in that area, which I believe may be 'dermatitis' or something of that nature, as it has been that way for many years.
So I read some posts on your site, after looking online and scaring myself to death. Things pointed towards Herpes Simplex - 2, and I became very stressed out, and still am. I read about the dormancy, the mild symptoms, how outbreaks can last for weeks - how 1 in 5 adults have it, etc. I also heard rumors
about the aforementioned girl, which sank me deeper into concern.
However, I also read many posts on your site suggesting ecezema. I purchased some 2% Hydrocortisone cream, and the itching went away in a day. Used it for a week, and it is practically all gone, save for an occasional itch and a dry 'cracked'sensation. My scrotum still will feel warm and red, but
no bad itching like before.
To be honest, I am scared to go to a doctor to hear the bad news. Furthermore,I am hesitant to move forward or become more intimate in relationships for fear of 'harming' my partner. I say I should go get a blood test, since no lesions are really present - then I read that these aren't that accurate.
Can you offer any advice?
Thanks
Worried Guy

[Glans Troubled]

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?

[Glans Troubled]

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?

[Glans Troubled]

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?

[Bhug]

none

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sure--you diagnosed and treated eczema correctly.  You should be proud of yourself and stop worrying.

Herpes outbreaks do not "last for weeks."  They consist of clusters of blisters, and they don't go away with hydrocortisone.

It's distrssing to read so many people like yourself finding internet information about herpes to be a source or unresolvable anxiety and misery.

Go to the doctor for definitive diagnosis--you'll get good news, not bad news.  And then get on with your life.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff