Herpes or Jock Rash-what's the Difference?

[Ares79]

Due to a recent sexual tryst with an unfamiliar partner, I've scared into believing I've contracted Herpes.  The problem is I've recently developed what appears to be a case of jock rash in the areas where the thigh meets the groin just before the genitals.  Normally I would just write this off, but like I said, I've scared myself into fearing the worst.  Here is my situation, I have a slight burning sensation in the area mentioned above.  I recently started taking Beta-Alanine and noticed that the burning increased when I took it, but subsided when I didn't.  The areas are pink but not red, extend in a streak along the crease, and have some tiny white bumps primarily at the follicle.  The burning is very slight, sometimes unoticeable, and it doesn't itch profusely.  I also am not exhibiting any other physical signs.  Everthing I know points to jock rash, but because of the encounter a month ago, I'm quite paranoid.  Also, several websites claim that most HSV-2 contractions go unnoticed, or can be mistaken for jock rash.  If this is the case, how can such a mistake be made?  Could this still be HSV-2?  I would also assume, having tested negative all previous times for HSV-2 that in the evwent of contracting it last month, a primary outbreak would be more pronounced.  Can someone please help put my mind at ease?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I honestly don't see how jock itch can be mixed up with herpes.  For me, the symptoms are nothing alike.  The location is different, the rash is different, the treatment that works is different, it just isn't the same!

Jock itch (a fungal infection) appears in the crease between the leg and the thigh.  It is a diffuse red rash with a jagged edge and it is bilateral (both sides).  Herpes normally presents as a single or multiple blisters/ulcers/crusts, most often on the shaft of the penis.  Jock itch responds (albeit slowly) to antifungal medicines applied either topically or orally.

What do you think now?

Terri

[Ares79]

Thanks so much Terri.  Like I said, all signs pointed to J/R but I just needed some professional advice.  Not to mention that many of the websites I've looked at, including CDC, have mentioned that herpes can be mistaken for that.  But I think you've answered my question.  Thank you so much.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You know, I've read that also, but when it gets right down to it, I'm not clear how that confusion occurs.

Terri