red rashes/spots on penis

Within the past few weeks I have noticed very small, but growing red rash type objects on the shaft of my penis.  After looking at lots of pictures, it seems to look similar to very very mild herpes.  But the problem is that I think it is impossible for this to be the cause due to what has happened.  First off, I haven't had unprotected with someone other than my girlfriend in the past 5-6 months, and I never experienced the first episode 2-10 after contraction of herpes.  Also, I started to get these about a month ago, almost two months into regular unprotected sex with my girlfriend.  I have no other side effects, these spots/rashes are quite small and are few, and come and go, however they reoccur in the same place.  They cause no pain or discomfort, I just have no idea what this could be.  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be - pearly penile papules or fordyce spots. You would need to consult your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis.

'Pearly penile papules are multiple, small (about 1-3mm) papules running around the circumference of the crown of the glans (glands) penis. They typically develop in men aged 20 to 40, and around 10 per cent of all men are affected. They may be mistaken for warts, are not infectious and require no treatment.'

'Fordyce spots are small (1-5mm) bright red or purple papules that can appear on the glans (glands), shaft or scrotum and usually affect younger men. They may occur as a solitary lesion, but frequently appear in crops of 50 to 100. They are painless and not itchy, but may cause embarrassment because of their appearance, or a fear that they might be sexually transmitted. '

Let us know if you need any further information.

Post us about what your doctor advises.

Regards.

[bbbb33]

After looking at pictures of those, they are not what I have.  What I have seem to be bigger and more spread out(there are only 4-5 of them) and are flat and red. It looks similar to the herpes but not near as red, There is a larger one that seems to be developing on the head if I look very closely.  It is just odd because I have no symptoms of  herpes.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

'Molluscum contagiosum lesions are flesh-colored, dome-shaped, and pearly in appearance. They are often 1-5 millimeters in diameter, with a dimpled center. They are generally not painful, but they may itch or become irritated. Picking or scratching the bumps may lead to further infection or scarring. In about 10% of the cases, eczema develops around the lesions. They may occasionally be complicated by secondary bacterial infections.

The central waxy core contains the virus. In a process called autoinoculation, the virus may spread to neighboring skin areas. Children are particularly susceptible to auto-inoculation, and may have widespread clusters of lesions.

The time from infection to the appearance of lesions ranges from 2 week to 6 months, with an average incubation period of 6 weeks. Diagnosis is made on the clinical appearance; the virus cannot routinely be cultured.

In adults, molluscum infections are often sexually transmitted and usually affect the genitals, lower abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs. In rare cases, molluscum infections are also found on the lips, mouth, and eyelids.'

You could read more about the condition at the following links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molluscum_contagiosum

and

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/molluscum-contagiosum/DS00672

'Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through contact with contaminated objects. Because it spreads easily, doctors often recommend medical treatment, especially for adults.'

There are a few treatment options that can be done at home. Betadine surgical scrub can be gently scrubbed on the infected area for 5 minutes daily until the lesions resolve (this is not recommended for those allergic to iodine or betadine).
For mild cases, over-the-counter wart medicines, such as salicylic acid may shorten infection duration. Daily topical application of tretinoin cream ("Retin-A 0.025%") may also trigger resolution. These treatments require several months for the infection to clear, and are often associated with intense inflammation and possibly discomfort.

The infection can also be cleared without medicine if there are only a few lesions. First, the affected skin area should be cleaned with an alcohol swab. Next, a sterile needle is used to cut across the head of the lesion, through the central dimple. The contents of the papule are removed with another alcohol swab. This procedure is repeated for each lesion (and is therefore unreasonable for a large infection). With this method, the lesions will heal in two to three days.


Let us know if you need any other information and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.