Two Shiny Red bumps on peni*s shaft

[collettk]

I was master*bating when I noticed two shiny red bumps on the shaft of my peni*s (one is maybe 4mm the other is 1mm).  They don't hurt or itch however it has been three weeks and the bumps are still there.  I went to the doctors to have it looked at and I was told it is definitely not herpes or any VD they ever seen.  What could it be and if it is just an irritation what would cause it to bump up like that and what topical solution can I use to speed up the healing?  I been applying Neosporinon the affected area almost constantly.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I guess I really can't tell you either, although these don't sound like STD's to me either.  I think you should apply Neosporin once or twice a day at most.  Beyond that, the less you do, the better.  If these are irritation reactions or clogged pores, which I think is probable, it will go away faster if you mess with it less.  Meantime, I suggest you set up an appointment with a skin doctor or VD specialist, so that someone more expert can have a look if the spots don't go away.  

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Ang437737]

Hi Collettk,

You stated: "I went to the doctors to have it looked at and I was told it is definitely not herpes or any VD they ever seen."
Unfortunately it is not always possible to see herpes.

If you want to completely rule out herpes then accurate herpes testing is in order. To accurately test for herpes simply ask for herpes type-1 and herpes type-2 antibody testing using type specific serology.

Sincerely,

Angela Stevens

[collettk]

Gotcha...but doesn't herpes itch or followedby irritation.  What are some other possibilities and their treatment?

[Ang437737]

Collettk,

I noticed that you stated this: "Gotcha...but doesn't herpes itch or followedby irritation. What are some other possibilities and their treatment?"

Active Herpes Virus does not always show itself in the form of an outbreak that you can see or feel.

And subtle symptoms of herpes are often mixed up with yeast infections, bug bites, poison ivy, friction burns, condom allergies, and bike riding rubs.

Sincerely,

Angela Stevens

[CRAZY BRAIN]

ANGELA please tell him too the real risks, please tell him that HSV 2 has decreased to 17% and please tell him that HSV Serology means nothing if you are like me and you like to give oral. It does jump, it just DOES NOT LIKE TOO. Stop the fear!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Coll

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Coll

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Collettk:

Angela writes everyone with any genital symptom at all that it could be herpes.  She would like everyone with any genital symptom to get herpes testing.  If you want to get a herpes test, by all means.  But the chances that bumps like the ones you describe are herpes are small to vanishing.  So if you actually want to find out what they are, you will be wise to proceeed as I've suggested.

Dr. Rockoff

[Ang437737]

I forgot to tell you...

You can't tell if someone has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by the way he or she looks or acts. STDs are very common—there are an estimated 15 million new cases each year in the U.S. And the American Social Health Association (ASHA) estimates that as many as one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives.

You also can't tell just "by looking." Many STDs show no symptoms. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that most STDs remain undiagnosed—that means people with STDs often don't even know it! The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting tested...

Good Luck!

Sincerely,

Angela Stevens

[CRAZY BRAIN]

The reason why many of the CDC people say what they say is b/c they use fear as a deterent. I am sure you know about that. HSV 2 has declined by %5 tell them that too, tell them that %80 of HSV 2 people are in fact symptomatic, tell them that the reason why it is UNDERDIAGNOSED is probably b/c people are not taught all vaired SYMPTOMS. Tell them that as a result of people not being clear you have the problem.

[mutineer]

I agree people should have periodic testing or testing
if they suspect something is up, but consultation with a doctor is critical. Excessive self diagnosing using websites in not healthy and will push you over the edge. Doctor Rockoff is straightforward and actually gives advice, unlike many other people, and he always suggests follow ups with a doctor if he feels appropriate. Good advice seems to me.

As far as testing, I've had Herpes screens. Once several years
ago for both: negative. And twice again recently as i had some concerns. Negative for both, followed up two months after that test with HSV 2 type specific: negative. I can say with assurance
that I am now done testing for herpes. I will not put myself in a position again to possibly pick up anything nor will i
go through the extra stress worrying about STD's.

Interesting to note, I did have textbook HSV  blisters
on my chest several years ago followed up by one or two recurrences. Didn't think twice about it at the time as i just drained the blisters and went on. Never thought about having herpes on my chest (this is where education comes in).
I play rugby so i assume that is how i got it.
Only recently with testing did i realize what it was.
Never had antibody show on test so it seems my antibody
levels have dropped below detection after several years without recurrence. Also have had Hep B (never knew, showed up in test several years ago). Following year test was barely registering
and this year negative. I had asked my doctor years ago about
getting the hep B vaccine and he told me sometimes cure is worse than the disease so didn't recommend (most people clear and get lifelong immunity). I apparently got it and have a lifelong immunity. Not to say people should not get the vaccine but
thats a personal choice and if your body doesn't clear it it can be bad.

Also in the realm of stress and anxiety, I got the chickenpox vaccine several years ago since i was never exposed as a child
(or at least was not reactive). I was told when i got the vaccine that only side effect should be some redness and swelling at the injection site. 17 days later i got a flu
and the 102 fever and then these spots on my torso. Then blisters. I freaked thinking as so much literature reads
(websites) that i may have the HIV rash. Well, after research, i found i had chickenpox. From the vaccine (milder case than childhood)and had many symptoms. Merck now has me on record with some of the more extreme reactions. HIV is also touted
in a terrifying way rather than giving people information
professionally so they understand what it does and doesn't do.
I personnally don't believe it alone causes AIDS nor does my doctor as there is apparently evidence to suggest other factors
must be involved. Am i also the only person to believe people
in Africa are dying because of starvation, lack of clean water, lack of nutritious food, lack of shelter and lack of medicine and war rather than predominately HIV? Why are these people not being treated for the disease suffered rather than chalking everything up to this virus? How many people's immune systems
could stand up to what these people are going through? HIV
also has an insidious past with the studies being stolen by Dr.
Gallo from the French. Gallo now holds the patent for the HIV testing i believe? Didn't Merck attempt to sue the CONTINENT
of Africa a few years ago because they wanted to make their own HIV pharmaceuticals as Merck was charging exorbitant amounts?
Who the hell sues an entire continent! Money involved. You bet.

Not to downplay the potential significance HIV may play in disease but it seems to me the posterchild for people to
ask questions and ask their doctors for advice. As with Herpes
the information is being presented wrong and in an irresponsible manner (I believe). We see Valtrex commercials but no one (with
the exception of people using it) know what the hell it is or what Herpes is for that matter. Educate people and teach them
to think for themselves. We'll all be better off.