Worried sick over recurring rash

[dan450]

Background information:   Had recieved unprotected oral sex 8 weeks ago. It was a single isolated incident. Was tested two weeks later for chlamydia, Gonnorhea and syphylis, all negative. Syphylis was likely too soon at 2 weeks and not sure if I should trust results. Same day, went to Dr and was examined and told not to worry. Was put on 10 days doxycycline and two doses cipro for one day profilactically. Have not ever had typical symptoms like discharge, buring upon urination or sores/lesions. I check my penis throughout the day and have never seen a chancre, and I don't think I would likely miss it.

Dr. Hook in the std forum has been great and has ruled out std's and told me to move on.

5 weeks after the exposure, still no symptoms, I got a rash or some kind of skin irritation on my penis. This occurred wirhin a day of swimming in a motel pool on vacation. Not sure if this is relevent. Desription of rash is red/kind of splotchy. Location is under the head where the top of shaft meets the head.  Not itchy nor painful. I have not applied anything topically to my penis.

I attributed rash to swimming. Thought combination of pool, urine when I drip afterwards and heat and briefs may be cause. I wore boxers and 2 days later it was gone. Came back a week later, wearing briefs again. Put boxers back on and it was gone. Came back a week later wearing briefs and boxers helped it go away. Currently it is gone but I am fearful it will return.

Question is, I don't think I have ever seen this before, or at least not aware of it. I have tried to figure this out. Don't think it could be bacterial otherwise it would not go away without meds even though it returns. Don't think yeast/fungal becasue it is not itchy. Could it be from the pool? Could it just be from briefs/heat/urine drip?

I am beside myself with worry. Can I rule out std? If so, why? Any thoughts? Is the exposure from oral a cause?  Please rule that out for me.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You've already been examined and found not to have an STD.  Then you got a rash that sounds like irritation from swimming, and it went away.  STD's don't do that.  You really need to move on.  

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[dan450]

Thank you for your very prompt response Dr., but why is this rash recurring? It has come and gone three times in the last three weeks? I don't recall ever having a rash or irritation from swimming.

Is the oral exposure 8 weeks ago not relevent to this? What if it comes back?

[dan450]

The rash has recurred two more times since my last post. I am comfortable that this is likely not an std. However, I want to see a doctor, but do not know which type of doctor. Should I see a regular physician, dermatologist or urologist? I just want to get this taken care because the stress is unbearable. I would appreciate your feedback.