Please help

[heythere1980]

Dear Doctor,
Please help.
Below you will find a message from two months ago.
Unfortunately, the walkin clinic managed to misplace my test results for herpes and my doctor never got it.
And even though three doctors have told me they didn't think it was herpes, I have one shiny raised red spot, which sort of looks blood filled, in the exact same spot on the back of the penis just below the head where the previous marks appeared two months ago (Read msg below).
I am in the United States for the next week and have no access to a doctor because I am Canadian.
I am absolutely convinced this is herpes. Why would it be in the exact same spot? It burns slightly and hurts slightly.
I first noticed this raised red spot (at that time no blood) after there was friction from masturbation the previous night.
I am far away from home and need help.
Thanks,




I went to one of these walk-in clinics today after disocovering four puffy raised red-brownish spots (in a small clustered area) on my penis last night.
I was immediately convinced it must be herpes - with the cluster, the look, and the fact there is minor pain, minor itch etc. However, the doctor took a quick look at them and said they do not appear to be blisters. I also noticed white stuff, believed to be puss, in the area last night. He said that is another sign they are not herpes.
Because of that, he said he really didn't think it was herpes. Rather, he referred to it as a bacterial infection (I didn't know you can get that in the genital area).
Because I insisted, he took a swab but told me it would come back negative in a week. He kept telling me I have to relax and calm down about it because it's not herpes.

Then, he prescribed me anti-bacterial lotion and an anti-viral lotion. On the anti-viral lotion, it says the medication is often used to treat genital herpes, which scared me yet again. Why would he give me that if he didn't think it was herpes.
Anyway, unfortunately it's the weekend so my family doctor, who I trust is not in for a few days. Does what the walk-in doctor said make sense to you?
I am still freaking out and am convinced this doctor might be wrong.

Scared in Toronto

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your description doesn't sound like herpes.  Three doctors have told you they didn't think it was herpes.  What could someone who hasn't seen you possibly tell you to stop worrying?

Please leave the spot alone--don't rub it--get a doctor to see it and draw a herpes blood test, and get counseling if you can't stop worrying about this.

Thanks.

Dr. Rockoff

[heythere1980]

One other thing.
I do have acne, but I'm not sure if there is such a thing as acne problems on penis

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, there is no acne on the penis.

Dr. Rockoff

[heythere1980]

Okay, I appreciate your response.
But does it make any sense to get the exact same symptom in the exact same spot two months later?
Isn't a re-occuring lesion something to kind of be worried about?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Not if it doesn't look like herpes either time.  Many things besides herpes can recur.

You have a right to be concerned, of course, but once you've had it checked repeatedly.....

Dr. Rockoff

[heythere1980]

Doc,
I finally got my swab result back and as you predicted, it was negative.
This was much-needed relief.
Just one follow-up question.
None of these doctors could put a finger on what exactly has caused these raised spots that sort of look like cuts. And since it re-occured, is there any other disease or STD I should be worried about or that this sounds like?
Or should I just accept it as a normal occurance and move on?
Thank you

[illusioneer]

Any chance you might have been biten by a bed bug?  They are more active in the world now then they have been in the recent past.

[heythere1980]

I'd rather the doc respond to my previous comment.
Thanks