Herpes?

Hi Dr.,

I posted on the STDs forum, but I was hoping you could help clear things up for me even more.

I have been engaging in mutual masturbation with a new parter, and the other night, we had oral sex.  While we had oral sex, the lighting was better, and I noticed a lesion on his penis.


We also happened to take pictures of our encounter that night, and I found one that shows the lesion well.  I zoomed in on it, and posted it here:
http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/puddingpop198622/IMG_0491.jpg


I understand that mutual masturbation does not transmit herpes, so I do not have to worry about having gotten it genitally (no genital contact between us), but:

1. Is this lesion definitely herpes, or could it be something else?
2. I have heard that crusted/scabbed/dried lesions are no longer contagious.  Based on the picture, would this lesion still be contagious (it was taken the night we had oral sex).
1. What are the chances that I have gotten it orally?  Is it really that rare to get HSV-2 of the mouth?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The spot doesn't look like herpes at all. Obviously, you can't catch something, orally or otherwise, if it isn't there.  I suggest that you have your partner get a herpes 2 blood test.  If it's negative, then you can be quite confident that he can't transmit herpes to you.  As for the spot you photographed, he'll need to see a doctor in person for definite diagnosis.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[puddingpop_1986_22]

I was all ready to believe this, but then I noticed a slightly scratchy sore throat.  I looked, and there are red marks/streaks on my uvula.  Is this a symptom of primary oral HSV infection?