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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
What else could it 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 else could it be?

by unsure7, Dec 15, 2004 12:00AM
Dr., Thanks in advance for your help.  Over the past year I have experienced some itchy sores that appear on my body and some pains.  It all started after an incident of unprotected vaginal sex.  I developed a bump on my penis that I popped twice with white puss coming out both times (sorry for being so graphic.  After that I got the flu a few days later and started to develop some other pains in my butt, legs, and general genital discomfort.  My thought was Herpes.  This was a year ago and I have repeatedly tested negative for Type 2 herpes through Herpes select.  Five times total now with no other possible exposures.  I have noticed some irritated skin in my genital area, but only one real recurrece of the original bump.  6 months later I had a similar bump in what appeared to be the same spot only smaller.  This time I checked closely before and saw a hair coming out of it.  I have also gotten some itchy sores below my belly button, on my waist, on my hand, arms, chest, and feet.  Now those never burst, but some have scabbed, but its from me itching them I think.  They were red, but with no liquid.  I have been trying to figure out what else it could be but I have no idea.  I also get an achy and sometimes sore tailbone as well as tingles and slight pains in my genital area and legs.  These get more profound within 2 days if I have a long night out of drinking.  I do however feel something every day as well as getting numb feet and hands.  I feel something everyday, but some days its worse.  I also get a sore back, but it almost seems like sore kidneys.  I even get the occasional electricl shock feeling down my right pelvic area and the occasional ache testicles.  It comes out of nowhere.  Here are my questions.  
What is it?  I have tested negative for all STD's, but positive for HSV1  
Seriously, I have excepted that I do not have HSV 2.  What are he chances that this is caused by HSV1?  I have gotten coldsores my whole life.
I did fall on my tailbone about 6 months back, but it never was hurt just a little sore for a few days.  Could that cause this sort of pain?  
I guess I am just looking for some ideas to take to my doctor.  Thanks

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 15, 2004 12:00AM
I'm sorry, but these symptoms just don't add up.  HSV 1 can cause recurrent herpes on the genitals, but they would manifest as blisters.  I more than suspect that the scabs you talk about come from scratching.  It isn't a stretch for me to imagine that your pain and tingling come from anxiety over that you think you might have, but probably don't.  Aching and tingling and numbness can be neurological, but don't fit with your skin lesions as you describe them.  My advice is to absolutely leave the bumps alone so a doctor can recognize them and culture them if necessary.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (3)

by unsure7, Dec 15, 2004 12:00AM
Can allergies cause rashes and pain?

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 17, 2004 12:00AM
Rashes yes, pain no.

Dr. Rockoff
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