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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
What could this be?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
What could this be?
by swatelite, Nov 17, 2004 12:00AM
Yesterday afternoon while showering I noticed one red bump the size of a pencil tip on the foreskin of my circumcised penis. Before showering, I had masturbated, and I had also accidentally spilled 70% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol on my penis. I figured what ever it was would go away. A day and a half later it hasn’t, and because I’ve scratched it, the bump seems to have gotten bigger. It is red, painless, and not itchy. It is a raised bump. I’m starting to worry that this could now be an STD (like genital wards). Looking back, I believe I’ve gotten a similar bump to this one in the area, but it went away in literally a day or two (like I’m hoping this one will). I’m wondering if this could be related to a clogged pore or a boil. I’m not such an expert on these things but I believe there should be no reason it’s an STD because I have been safe. Is it plausible that my penis could be having a reaction to that rubbing alcohol, the soap I use in the shower, or the friction my pants or masturbation has caused? Any theories on your part would help ease my mind.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 17, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 17, 2004 12:00AM
It sounds a lot more like a clogged pore than a wart. The alcohol may well ave irritated it. Just leave it alone (no squeezing), apply bacitracin daily, and give it a week or two. If it's still there, show a doctor. But warts and STD's don't seem likely, based on your description and the rapidity of onset.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by swatelite, Nov 18, 2004 12:00AM
To: Dr. Rockoff
I have started the bacitracin ointment treatment yesterday, but the bump still is about the same. I'm still unsure of the bump is flesh colored or red... it seems to be red but it may have a whitish head or dome. Again, painless and not itchy. I've doen some research on the net and they say that HSV can start out as a single bump, yet mine is not "califlower" like. It's more like a perfect circle. I'm starting to get VERY VERY worried now. Is it possible for a single bump to be HSV? Normally if i've had something like this it's gone away by now. This is starting to depress me and I can not see a doctor for atleast a week. Again, I have been totally safe (used condoms) so this baffles me and leads me to believe it can't be a wart or another STD... but, you never know. Please help.
