Possible HSV-2 Unsure in Iraq

[waedoe]

To any one who can speculate on this matter,

Hello, I am a marine currently in Iraq, I have developed quite a situation since getting here. I had un protected sex with a woman in september I did not know. I left for iraq in late september and had a burning sensation from my urethera, and what looked to be inflamation in the foreskin. I washed myself and speculated it was chlymidia. We landed in iraq and i had a field doc check me out. there were 3 large open ulcers present all on the foreskin. One was on the top, one was on the left side and one was underneath on my perenium. They gave me medicine for chlymidia and for gohnerrea. The burning subsided in about 2 or 3 days. And the ulcers seemed to be closing up. I probably had the ulcers for about a 7 to 10 days before they disappeared. I didnt notice any scabing and they just seemed to close and leave a little scar. At the initial outbreak I did not have any blisters, just open sores, and for the burning I did notice very slighy yellowish, clear discharge. There is no way to really test me out here, I will have to wait till i get back. Now 4 months later 3 blisters appeared on my foreskin on the right. It took them about 2 days to open into ulcers. I also noticed 5 more ulcers very small but open to the right of them in a small staggered grouping. They all cleared up with in a week. However I started to masterbate again after these ulcers healed up and i noticed that new ulcers formed, Im not sure if the skin is tearing, if i dont shower enough, if it is herpes, the doctor is 50/50 on it because he said that some symptoms show to herpes but i have no pain, and they clear up in about a week. He also said it is almost impossible to have an outbreak a week after another outbreak. I am very concerned and I just want to educate myself so i can live a normal life. Thank you for reading. I have some pictures if that will help I can upload them later.

- semper fi

[gracefromHHP]

Let us know how things turn out :)

grace

[waedoe]

So apperantly at the bigger bases here in Iraq there is testing. My platoon Sgt is going to try to get me to a surgical unit and get blood work done, im going to get the works, Im hoping its in the next few days I get to go. I'm almost convinced I have this virus, but im staying positive about it, its not the end of the world. The thing I am worried about is HIV, im going to get that test done too. ill keep you posted

[dp426]

You need blood work, This can be something else , you should get blood work for all STD and have them do a igg for HSV 1 & 2,  your contact was in Sept. so your Igg should tell you...if you have HSV there is medication that you can take to help...good luck

[gracefromHHP]

Unfortunately being out in the field currently it's not going to be easy getting good answers about all this probably.  Depending on what the doc's around you usually specialize in - depends on how much they know about the genital area.  A surgeon is exactly who you want dealing with you and your fellow marine's currently - not so good for diagnosing genital issues though.  

Blisters that have reoccured several times does sound suspicious for herpes.  I doubt it'll be easy for you to get a lesion culture done on them though. When you get back to the states - get yourself a type specific herpes igg blood test for hsv1 and hsv2.  You might not even be able to get this thru the regular base clinic though - if you can't - stop on back and we'll give you some ideas of where to get it done at.  If you just happen to get a return of symptoms when you are back in the US then you can be seen at clinic and get a lesion culture and typing done.

So could this also be something else? Of course it could be. You are in an incredibly stressful situation, wearing tons of clothing, using products you usually wouldn't be using etc.  i"m just saying it's definitely worth a work up for herpes when you get back home.  I don't recommend at this point using anything on them unless the doctor tells you to use them. We are totally just guessing about it all here.  If you have baby powder handy though - start using it before you get dressed to help absorb moisture and cut down on friction.  Also if you are using commercial baby wipes to clean up with - it could be a reaction to something in them too.  Not sure how many options you have but just some things to consider.  

And I just wanted to 2nd what speedmama already said - thank you for being over there and doing the job our country says needs done :)

grace

[dr_paul]

from what i have read you definately have herpes.....and yes it can occur a week later..sometimes you think it has healed and yet it hasnt.....sometimes the blisters will not even be visible and as soon as yoiu masturbate of have sex ...then wham...there they are...masturbation and sex damage the sensitive skin of the blisters and thats what causes the blisters to (pop)...ask your doctor for a topical cream...this usually heals the sores even if they are severe.....within 3-4 days......you should also take a antibiotic...but if you cant then the topical cream will do just fine.....to prevent major blisters and sores i suggest you apply the cream at least 2 days after the sores have cleared up.....also apply once a week untill u get back to USA.....also apply when you feel a itchy...feeling or redness in the outer top side of the foreskin........
(the topical cream comes in a 2gram container and is small and blue in colour)
good luck

[speedmamma]

Well first of all I have to say this to you.  Thank you for your service for my country!!!  Now back to your questions.  Your symptoms unfortunately do sound like  a herpes infection especially since you say that the field doc gave you meds for GC and chlamydia and 4 months later you had sores again that is a sign of a herpes infection.  Your first symptoms sound alot like mine did, I must admit I am female but HSV symptoms do not discriminate it only shows up on different plumbing!  :))   Mine to started out has open ulcers never scabbed and did leave a small red scars on the opening of my vagina.  I to had a nasty discharge and pain in my inner thighs.  These are all the symptoms of a primary infection.  Yours sound quit similar.  When you get back the USA please have yourself tested by a urologist or a doc that knows about STD's have them do a herpes select blood test for both strains of the virsu. HSV1 and HSV2.  And if it is possible the next time you have any sores on your penis, go IMMEDIATELY (within 2 days) and have them take a herpes culture and type that to to see which strain you could have.  Once you do both of those tests you will get definate confirmation one way or the other if you have a herpes infection.  Remember one other thing 70-80% of the adult population have hsv1 (cold sores) even if they never had a cold sore on their lips.  Take care Marine and first and for most STAY SAFE!!!