Herpes?

[Doood]

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right place...but here goes anyway...

Last November (late November) I had unprotected sex with a girl.

Early January I noticed 2x red rings forming at the base of my penis (underside), inflamation around the head (looked like balanitis) & intermittent tingling sensations.

The balanitis gradually got worse so took a trip to the clinic.

After several visits, a full STD check & applying various different anti-fungal creams with no effect (Balanitis/Thrush) I was scheduled an appointment with a specialist (May).  It was then suspected that I have BXO (Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans).  I was given more anti-fungal cream & also a topical cream to apply over a 6 month period.  The diagnosis of BXO was reached relating to a small part of skin on the underside of the penis that was damaged when having sex with the girl in question resulting in trauma to the area causing the 2x red rings earlier mentioned to occur.  I was told to apply the creams & the red rings should go away in time.

Along with the symptoms mentioned I have also been suffering with small red spots on my neck (side & back), lumps appearing on neck & behind the ears, small red spots appearing & itching on forehead, small red itchy spots appearing on upper arms (after showering), dry skin, tiredness & neck ache.

My worry is, & always has been Herpes.  I am arranging to go back & attempt to get tested for this virus as I have had a full STD tesing but am to believe that Herpes is not tested within the full test.  I must add that I have voiced my concern for Herpes at each clinic visit.  When i requested a herpes test before I was told that it could only be tested by swabbing a blister from the area in question but I have not had any blisters.

Any advice would be appreciated...

Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The reason for your concern is genuine.But the symptoms that you are having are not suggestive of herpes. Herpes is characterized by blisters on the genitals, inside the vagina or rectum, or around the mouth. Sores typically develop 2–20 days after exposure to the virus, but may develop years later.

However you can give an end to your fears by getting the bood tests for herpes done.Two of the most confirmatory tests for herpes are herpes select and Western blot.Other very confirmatory test is HSV IgG Type-Specific ELISA.

In my opinion,you should get these done after consulting a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[concerned2423]

They can preform a blood test to determine if you have any anitbodies for either HSV1 or HSV2. Once you have come in contact with the virus your body naturally builds a defense to the virus so you would have antibodies for the virus present in your body for life.  Hope that helps!