Is this herpes?

Hi Dcotor,

Here's my question... I am a 27 year old white male, and about 5 weeks ago had sex with a friend of mine. We had interocurse twice that night, and used a condom both times, though we started out on both occasions unprotected. Anyway, a few days ago, i masterbated, and noticed a few hours later that my skin was a bit dry and itchy. I scratched it, the skin just below the head, and I think a bit of skin may have came off, though nothing major. Anyway, later on that night a noticed that there was a sore, and upon close examination, realized that it was it looked like it had a little open, moist crater. All in all it was about the size of say two ball point pen heads together, not very big. There was only this one sore.  Anyway, by the end of the next day, about 24 hours, it was dried and, and within 3 to 4 days it had scabbed and healed, i scratched off the scab, and new pink skin was there.

The sore was not painful or itchy at all, except right when i noticed it in the shower, and then only stung when water directly hit it.

I have started going out with a girl, and she wants to have unprotected sex... should I get a herpes test for this, in addition to the STD check (After the obligatory three month window)? Or does this just sound like irriatation?

(Also, i took some topical nystatin cream for about six days in early April after a rash showed up on my penis with this same friend. It was prescribed by an STD clinic doctor who looked at the rash and classified it as an irritation. The cream worked and haven't had any problem since, except I have noticed that the skin of my penis has been drier.  

PLease help! and thanks for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I can't tell for sure from your description.  I advise you to avoid unprotected sex until you've had the chance to have a herpes 2 blood test, and perhaps to repeat it in 3-4 months.  Of course, if you get this crater-like lesion again, you should show a doctor for exam and culture.

Then again, you may want to avoid unprotected sex anyway.  Among other things, this will help prevent your catching anything from someone else.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff