Is this Herpes?

I have not had sexual intercourse for well over a year, though I do masturbate on a daily basis. A couple of days ago, I noticed the skin on my penis was quite dry, and somewhat leathery. I switched from briefs to boxers, and it was a particularly hot day. From about 7am, I spent an hour on a very warm bus, where I sweat a lot. I did not return home until close to midnight that night.

The next morning, I noticed some bumps in a reddish area on the shaft of my penis. That was yesterday. Today, I took these pictures when I woke up:
http://picasaweb.google.com/d0p3.sL/PenisRash?authkey=Gv1sRgCNyr5__Khaz9mwE#5334001559218161266
http://picasaweb.google.com/d0p3.sL/PenisRash?authkey=Gv1sRgCNyr5__Khaz9mwE#5334001556292357666

From what I have seen online, this looks like herpes. I am wondering if it is possible that it is simply a rash, or due to dry skin, high humidity and/or a change in underwear fabric. Are there any other possibilities, or is this just an obvious case of herpes?

[tuffin76]

That looks like herpes more than anything else. But I couldn't say for sure... as for it being over a year since you've had sex, that doesn't matter when it comes to herpes, you may have been carrying the virus with no outbreaks for any number of years. I think you should definitely get checked while the bumps are still there. Best of luck.

Also, from what I've read dryness does seem to be an initial sign in some cases, and herpes thrives in moist areas of skin. You're sweating probably helped it to develop. Hope that helps.

[petal130]

I don't believe you are allowed to post are supposed to post pictures on this forum, and I did not look at them.

No one here can diagnose your issue - even a doctor can't definitively diagnose herpes visually. At this point, if you were positive for HSV, a blood test would show it.

And yes, if you did not use enough lube, it could just be a rash.

Follow-up with your medical provider, and if you want to know your herpes status, request an IgG type specific blood test.

[paulandrew1]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I think you're right - unfortunately, I am unable to make a visit to the doctor at this time.

[paulandrew1]

Thanks for the reply.

As for posting pictures, I didn't post pictures. I posted addresses of pictures. They are actually essential to my question.

Thank you for the suggestion of seeing a doctor though. I am sure it is just out of concern, but I am unable to see a doctor at the present time. That is the reason I chose to post on this site.

P.S. My actual question was in reference to any other possibilities that might exist that look similar.

[gracefromHHP]

If you read our read before posting post you'll see why we don't want pictures or links to them posted. thank you for your future cooperation with this.  

I won't look at pictures either.

You need to go and be seen plain and simple. No one here can diagnose you.  If you can't be seen right now then follow up on this when you have time. Meanwhile be sure to talk about it with any partners you might have since you don't have answers to what is going on.

grace

[paulandrew1]

Thanks Grace,

I actually read the ToS before posting. And posted within their restrictions, in my opinion. Perhaps you could link to them again, for clarification.

As far as help goes, I've asked a pretty straightforward question, does anyone feel that they can answer it, or are we going to continue ignoring it with posts stating simply, "There is no help on this forum. Go to a doctor?"

Again, thanks for the replies. Please read the question.

[gracefromHHP]

I think you have unrealistic expectations of what an online forum can do for you. You need to be seen and properly examined by a medical professional.

grace