It isn't Herpes

Hello,

About a month ago almost 5 weeks now I suddenly noticed these whitehead pimples, I can tell they are white heads because of my complexion, on the right side of my penis shaft while using the bathroom. I only happened to notice them when I lifted my penis to one side out of bathroom boredom, and was quite shocked to see them. I freaked out of course and went to the clinic at the local university that I attended and the doctor said it looked like Herpes and asked if they itched (no), were painful (no), or if they oozed (no). I had the blood tests done and I came back negative for Herpes and was prescribed Valtrex. 300$ and 10 days later the bumps were still there. Out of curiosity I popped some of them to see what is inside and a white substance kind of like acne came out, it bled a little, it scabs and then goes away. I don't live a promiscuous life and when I do have sex its with a condom and the person I have sex with got blood tested and checked by her OB-GYN and was clear. Herpes first outbreaks usually last from 3-4 weeks and develop into painful lesions but its been 5 weeks and these look like pimples on my shaft. I do live an active lifestyle going regularly to the gym and running on a daily basis if that helps.They appear on the right side easily more than 10 and taper off to the underside of the penis, they are the typical size of acne (small yet pronounced) but some are smaller than others. Any ideas?

[bobrope45]

Herpes blood test need 3-4 months to become positive. Therefore, you and your partner should pursue another test within 3 months after your encounter to be sure this is not herpes going on.
Besides, many people think they were tested specifically for herpes, but they weren't. The usual STD screening does not include herpes, so you should double check with your partner if she was actually tested for herpes.

If you still have symptoms, you can also see a doctor and if he/she suspects herpes, he/she can swab the lesion for a culture/PCR swab. Then you don't need to wait the 3-4 months for the blood test.

[gracefromHHP]

your partner is testing negative for herpes so it's not likely you recently contracted herpes from them. no reason for any further herpes testing at this point.

your symptoms don't sound at all like herpes.  go and be seen again elsewhere to see what they think. This could be regular ole acne or irritation, molluscum or even a bacterial skin infection going on.

grace

[DumpyMushroom]

I went to a naval health clinic and they said it isn't Herpes due to the length I've had the outbreak and because they dont hurt. It was diagnosed as a bacterial infection and I've been applying benzoyl peroxide and they have been going away slowly.

[gracefromHHP]

did they tell you to use peroxide? it's non-chlorine bleach and actually does far more harm to skin than good and we rarely recommend it's use for skin care.

[DumpyMushroom]

O they didn't prescribe they were just instructing me to keep it clean until it clears I stood using it because it was effecting everything but the bumps so I'm just washing it and keeping it clean until they go away. The bumps have not changed in size or sensitivity and since it's almost been a month and a half it's definitely not Herpes(thank God).

[DumpyMushroom]

Stopped**

[gracefromHHP]

usually antibacterial soap and water is all you have to use :)  

[DumpyMushroom]

Ok I'll definitely pick some up and I've been instructed to change from briefs to boxers as well

[gracefromHHP]

well best thing to do is just let the boys run free when you can, especially at night. fresh air is a good thing :)

[DumpyMushroom]

How will i know if it is or isn't molluscum? the bumps don't hurt during that infection either

[gracefromHHP]

if they haven't gotten better by this point, time to return for further evaluation. a dermatologist is probably the best provider at this point.

[DumpyMushroom]

They haven't gotten any better or worse

[Mistakeguy789]

Still should be seen by a dermatologist.

[DumpyMushroom]

Yeah I definitely am