Jock Itch or Genital Warts

A few days ago I noticed that, at the base of my penis, red skin that was very damp (making it appear shiny). I was told that this could be jock itch and so I got anti-fungal cream and started applying it. Yesterday I noticed that in the same around, completely around the base of my penis, but only where the skin was red, were what looked like small pimple-like bumps. Some of these bumps had hairs growing out of them and a few were grouped together. I then read online that it could possibly be genital warts because of the bumps grouping together. The only girl I have ever had sex with said that she was a virgin when we had sex (which was two years ago) and that when she has gone to the OBGYN that they said she was fine. I am worried, though, that the bumps are a sign of genital warts. What exactly is going on with my penis?

[Gaurang Krishna, MD]

Hello Burnstreak,

I understand your concern.

I would advise you to relax. Going by the symptoms and history that you provide I do not think it is genital warts.

The bumps that have hair coming out through them are most likely normal follicular prominences. These are present mostly on the scrotum and the base of the skin.

You are worried because you may not have noticed it earlier and now that you have Jock itch, you may be correlating things. Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Gaurang Krishna

[Burnstreak]

Thank you Doctor for the help.

The bumps did not start appearing until after I used the anti-fungal cream for the jock itch. I did a little more research on the matter and it appears that it could be folliculitis and that the reason for the bumps might just be blocked hair follicles from the cream. What do you think the bumps that don't have hairs coming out of them could be?

[Burnstreak]

Also, I was wondering, what would genital warts look like if I had them?

[Gaurang Krishna, MD]

Dear Burnstreak,

I still think that what you describe is follicular prominence and not Folliculitis.

Warts are of various sizes and shapes. They have a rough surface and are mostly grey in colour. Itching and discharge are also commonly associated findings. You can have a look on Google images.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Gaurang Krishna

[Burnstreak]

What is follicular prominence?

As for the dots, they are not rough but seem more smooth. There are also no itching or discharge. Do you think that the dots were brought about because of the jock itch?

[Burnstreak]

I looked at it this morning and some of the bumps have disappeared but the ones that are still there are the ones that do not have hairs coming out of them. They range from the size of a pen-tip to slightly larger and they are all red. There are a few that are grouped together and the rest are spread out in the area but only where the jock itch is. I am still slightly worried that it could be genital warts. Can you fully explain why you think it isn't genital warts?

[Gaurang Krishna, MD]

Dear Burnstreak,

In order to post a follow up question for additional answers, could you please copy and paste the original question and follow up question as a new paid question, so that your concern could be addressed as soon as possible by the doctor?

many thanks!

Dr. Gaurang Krishna