Herpes symptoms or just friction

[pjon64]

I thought I had symptoms of herpes in the past. I posted on medhelp twice about the issue, i saw a derm np and md and was told the dark patch on my penis was due to friction. The thing is that every time I went to see the doc, it took four or five days for me to be seen and by this time the symptoms had changed.
The symptoms are definitely brought on by friction, either from masturbation or friction from running. It starts out by swelling on the penis then tingles and itches a bit, then it gets red. It is always in the exact same spot as before it never appears larger or smaller or in a different area in my penis. I finally decided to add some pictures taken while I have the symptoms. I pasted them below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjon64/4360685268/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjon64/4359942391/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjon64/4359939907/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjon64/4359938357/

Please let me know what this could be. I never get open sores, blisters or scabs but it eventually get a little dry and flaky.

[redfriction]

I have something similar going on for months, and it's a huge pain.  I had jock itch that kept returning (hot summer months, stuck at work), and I used OTC medications, tons of brands and types, for months until I think it's finally gone.  But now there is remaining redness and sensitivity to friction.  The med labels were really serious about use for only 2 weeks.

I don't know how to get rid of this, or if it's actually drug interaction.  The tip of my penis is also red and tingles at times.

I also had what appeared to be a bacteria infection, in my hair follicles in the groin, that spread rapidly and I think caused a rash and open sore on the shaft following friction.  It eventually went away on it's own after letting the area air out at night, but left some redness as well.  I had this after going swimming and leaving the trunks on to dry (prob same way I got jock itch).  I also had protected sex that day.

Still confused but I think it's the drugs.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

It isn't usual to begin a fixed drug eruption this long after initiating medicine, but I can't say it is impossible.  Having said that, its best if you pay attention to the dermatologist and his diagnosis, he sees it in person and that is very important.

Terri

[pjon64]

I went to the NP and she brought the dermatologist in the room to take a look. He determined that it was due to a fixed drug reaction. I have been taking lamictal and seroquel for three years and the symptoms began less than a year ago. Does this sound plausible? Could it be Stevens Johnson Syndrome? I know this questions is best answered by my doc and I trust his diagnosis. Sorry for the repeated questions, this is my last one.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Symptoms need not be present for an antibody test to be accurate, no.  It can be done at any time since it is not looking for virus, but rather looking for antibody that is made in response to a virus.  

If you have ever had a cold sore, then you antibody test will likely be positive for HSV 1.

Terri

[pjon64]

I have never had an lgG test. I asked my doctor if I needed one during a visit related to a dark patch in the same area and she told me that it wasn't necessary. I did have a cold sore before on my lip; it was more directly below my lip than on my lip.
Before I went to the doctor about the dark patch on my penis I thought that it might be a fungal infection. I had jock itch a long time ago and there was a lot of swelling in my genital area and peeling skin around my scrotum and inner thigh (I actually thought that this might have been my initial outbreak of herpes but I used antifungal cream and it went away rather quickly).
Will the test be effective if the symptoms have improved and/or are not present? My medical provider can't get me in for another four days and I am worried that it might be too late to make a proper diagnosis if the symptom improve.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Your pictures don't look like herpes, but a more certain way to know what is going on is to do antibody testing.  Have you had that done?  If not, you want IgG antibody testing for HSV 1 and HSV 2.  Have you ever in your life had a cold sore on your lip?  Has anyone suggested a possible fungal infection?

Terri

[pjon64]

I also want to add that I sometimes get a dry spot below my lower lip around the same time I get the redness. I'm pretty sure it's a cold sore (oral herpes). It's only happens when I don't shave below my lip which makes it irritated which then makes it dry and flaky. I did notice blisters a long time ago (5 6 years). It comes back probably once or twice a year.