Dear Dr.
I have a series of what look like acne pimples
that first appeared on the head of my penis
and then multiplied down the shaft of my penis.
I have 30 or so bumps. They seem to dry up after
24 hours or so. First one, then several, then
30 over the course of 2-3 days.
I have recently had sex with a new person and
since this discovery have both been tested for
STD's (still awaiting results).
I have a lot of allergies and skin rashes are
common, though nothing ever like this. I assume
it is topical, but want to rule out herpes or
viruses, if possible. The zits are spread evenly
unlike images I have seen of herpes which appeared
more clustered. I had a similar episode on my upper
leg and groin area, 1 month ago when I first had sex
with my new partner and there was oral contact from
her in that area. I have also taken Cialis during
sex and then stopped taking it afterwards. Stopping
the cialis is consistent on both instances of getting
the acne or rash. Aveeno bath oats made the zits
dry up in both cases, whereas, Neosporin and Eucerin
seemed to make it worse or mulitply. I saw an emergency
room Doc. who didn't think it was herpes possibly
because they dried up within 24 hours, but was uncertain
of the cause. I forgot to mention the cialis to him.
It is upsetting to think that it may be herpes or
some other STD. I have no discharge or discomfort
urinating. I have single zits in other places,
navel, nose, side torso, but these may be places I
touched after touching the zits on my penis. I still
have red marks, though no zits remain from the initial
outbreak on my leg and thigh area. I did read that
rashes are a side effect of cialis, but there is little
detail on what that means. In both cases there was cialis,
oral contact, and afterwards no cialis and cream applied
when the zits first appeared. In both cases, Aveeno was
effective in drying up the zits, though they might have dried
on their own without creams being added. The doctor said
that there was no test for herpes, though I have read otherwise.
I know I am being tested for STD's that I am likely not
to have, but it is herpes or a viral infection that I
want to be able to be tested for. I am near Tufts if you
can suggest a local clinic. I have no health ins. and no
primary Doctor. The bumps are not terribly itchy, though
there is some sensitivity in the center of each, especially
after they dry up and scab over (tiny scab like the size of a pore). They are a bit sore, mainly when rubbed. The ones
in the groin/leg area were the worst because of the friction in
that area. They certainly seem to respond to Aveeno best.
It drys them at the center leaving a tiny red scab. They
are nearly uniform in size and spread over the shaft. The
latest ones appearing near the top of my scrotum. It flared
up after seeing the doctor on Sat. I had only 5 or so bumps
then. It grew to about 30 and now appears to be dying down.
Thanks much for your help.