Herpes test

Hi

I have been fighting off what I thought was folliculitis or a staff infection for 3-4 years at the lower base of my penis and at times upper part also.Both my MD and and a dermatologist dismissed this as something  minor and nothing to worry about.No blood tests or coltural type testing was ever done. After noticing the lession type bumps poping up at the base of my penis again the other day, I decided to go to another dermatologist who seem to think it might be herpes2 or herpes1. He did a test called a coltural[poke at one of the pimple/blister to draw sample].The test results will not be back for a week.

Does this type of test prove to be the most accurate way to find out if it is herpes?

I always have had great confidence and repore with the other 2 doctors. Although their exams never involved a test like this coltural exam, they seem to be quite sure of themselves just upon naked eye inspection and some of the symptoms[or lack of].

I have had no sexual encounters in the past year or so that would seem to say it occurred after my visits with the first 2 doctors.
Could I have been misdiagnosed?
How often is folliculitis mistaken for herpes and vise verse?

any insight is much appreciated..Im quite worried about the situation and I have a whole week to wait for the results.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Culturing a fresh blister is indeed a reliable test for herpes.  If the blister isn't fresh enough, the culture may be negative, but a type-specific herpes 2 blood test is a good substitute.

Having said all this, I think there's a great deal of doubt that you have herpes.  Herpes generally comes in the same place, not in two, like "lower base of my penis and at times upper part also."  Your new dermatologist may just have wanted to be extra sure.  You're going to have to wait for the test to be able to answer your other questions about whether your previous doctors misdiagnosed you.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff