Herpes?

[Phoenix622]

Okay. This might take a second, and I thank the professional that reads and answers this for his or her time. Let me just start out by saying that I'm not a laymen when it comes to medicine. I'm not a licensed professional, but I know a hell of a lot more than the average person. This started right after Halloween of last year. I had sexual relations (receptive unprotected intercourse) with a friend of mine several times. About 1.5-2 weeks after, I developed what appeared to be a papule on my anus. Notably, my partner developed herpatic symptoms at the EXACT same time as I did. I know that you, the professional, understand what a papule is, but let me just add that it was NOT fluid filled, did not burst open into a lesion/sore, and disappeared within a week or two. After that, I was symptom free for 1-2 weeks. Then, I started developing red bumps all over my body. They became lesions. Specifically, I have large clusters on my buttocks and thighs. It is also mentionable to say, that I have similar bumps, but not necessarily lesions, on my arms, legs (below the knee, down to where my foot starts.) Also, at the same time that I developed the bumps/lesions, I had fluid filled bumps, and I say bumps because, the appearance was not blister-like, on my penis and my testicles, which, never became lesions. They quickly healed, but became rather big before that did. The blisters that I have developed on my body in locations other than my buttocks and penis, have a somewhat raised appearance, and broken (peeling) skin surrounding them. I have noticed that they tend to accumulate in warm, wet areas (e.g.: armpits, legpits (?), underarms, and such.) I saw a Doctor at a sexual health clinic, and was told that it was herpes. However, I was tested for HSV1/2 and both tests returned negative. This was definitely six weeks after my last sexual contact with my friend. I'm really confused, not to mention uncomfortable. I'm going to see my dermatologist A.S.A.P., however, I could definitely use some advice from someone not just looking at me and saying, "Oh! That's definitely Herpes!" The preponderance of symptoms would suggest Herpes, but I really don't think that that is what I have. I was told my an ER Physician (I was there about a different matter,) that the stuff on my inner thighs looked like Folliculitis, and when I look at pictures of this condition on the internet, it is identical to what has appeared on my body. But to my knowledge, folliculitis doesn't manifest itself in lesions that don't heal, and doesn't cause fluid filled blisters on the penis. Could this be two conditions/infections occurring concomitantly? I dunno. But it's scary. Thanks - Quantum.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the symptoms that you have described,it can be folliculitis but the symptoms are definitely suggestive more of herpes.Moreover as there was lymphadenopathy,so viral infection like herpes definitely has to be ruled out.

It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner.

The only way of ruling it out is by getting yourself tested for herpes. If the blood tests that you had got done are negative,then it can be due to false negative results also. For the most accurate test result, it is recommended to wait 12 - 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before getting an accurate, type-specific blood test in order to allow enough time for antibodies(Ig G)to reach detectable levels.Also the most accurate and confirmatory tests for herpes are Herpes select(HSV-1 and HSV-2 tests),western blot and HSV IgG Type-Specific ELISAs.If possible,pls discuss these tests with your doctor and get them done after 4 months of initial occurrence of the blisters.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.

[Phoenix622]

I just wanted to add, because I forgot, that I have had, but not anymore, swollen lymph nodes in my groin. Never any flu/cold symptoms of fever...etc etc. Sorry about that.