Possible Herpes? Or Something else?

[ogawsh]

So let me start off from the beginning... Exactly one week ago (Sunday the 23rd) I masturbated a lot... to the point where I had abrasions on/near the base of my penis.  The next day (Monday the 24th) I had a sexual encounter with somebody for the first time.  Her and I used protection (condom) and only had intercourse for all of a minute or so it seemed... and we preformed oral on one another for a few hours.  I didn't see any inclination of her having an outbreak.  After this... I went home and masturbated for a very long time again.  A few days went by and the abrasion healed a bit, but as it healed, the bumps in the pictures slowly appeared.  Where the bumps are located in the pictures is also where the abrasion were located.  It didn't itch or hurt, and it still doesn't... I didn't get sick/have muscle pain/fever/etc.  Now it has been 6 days past possible exposure... Just wondering if anybody can provide clarity.  I'm wondering if this is likely to be herpes or more likely to be caused by something else... Like the abrasion from friction of masturbation or ingrown hairs, or molluscum, or something else?

http://imgur.com/BaL6AoA,4jhosFJ
http://imgur.com/BaL6AoA,4jhosFJ#1

[Fleetwood20]

I wouldn't bother. You seem a bit spooked but fair enough. I think the advice you received was clear and pragmatic from someone who is experienced and knows what they are on about.

A blood test 12 weeks after exposure will give you peace of mind.

[ogawsh]

So I went to the clinic and had STD testing done. They did the swab, but said that they didn't offer herpes blood testing.  They referred me to some other clinics in the area that do though, but said to go do it in 2 months if the swab comes back negative, for peace at mind.

She took a look at the area and said that she doesn't think that it's herpes, but pustules that developed from the skin abrasion.  She said that she can't be 100% sure, but she doubts that the swab will come back positive.

If the swab comes back negative, would you recommend going back for the blood test in two months?

[ogawsh]

Thank you! Will do.

[Fleetwood20]

You can ask for a swab of the sores to be tested for HSV using PCR.

At the same time request a blood test for IgG antibodies type specific for HSV1 and HSV2. This will provide a baseline. You then repeat this test at 12-16 weeks.

[ogawsh]

I'm not 100% sure exactly what I'm asking as I don't know much about this subject... I just want to make sure I take the correct test and what not.  After browsing a bit I have come to realize quite a few people haven't taken the right test/taken it at the right time/etc

[ogawsh]

Thank you for providing a bit of clarity for me.  I really do appreciate you.

Would you possibly have a good recommendation of a way that I could get this tested to provide certainty?  I am from California... When reading other posts I came across some that had been recommended to use a certain place (other than their GP) and a certain test to ask for.

[Fleetwood20]

Two issues though:
- the pins and needles are concentrated where the patch or patches of lesion arises and not a general feeling
- you usually do not experience this at the time of infection unless a lesion is present

[ogawsh]

I was led to believe this could be the tingling feeling as I read "During the prodromal phase, the skin within or around the vagina, or on the tip or shaft of the penis begins to tingle, as though being poked by pins and needles." on this website: http://www.progressivehealth.com/herpes-symptoms.htm

[ogawsh]

I appreciate your timely response.  Thank you very much!

I have attached two more pictures.  The cluster at the top wouldn't fit the "patch" description?  and when they first appeared they seemed a bit more blistery as well... as seen in the second image.

http://imgur.com/cMshhol
http://imgur.com/Qe5ZPsZ

As for the pins and needles... I was wondering if this could be the "tingling feeling" that is described during a prodrome stage?

[Fleetwood20]

It looks to be individual tiny sores. Herpes is more patches with small blistery bubbles within.

Pins and needles are not related to herpes.

[ogawsh]

May I ask why herpes would be unlikely based on the picture?

Also, today I keep having a vague feeling of pins and needles in my penis nearing the head of it.  I don't know if this is my mind playing tricks on me, damage from over masturbating, or possible prodomes?

[Fleetwood20]

Herpes would be very unlikely based on the picture.

I think folliculitis is a likely candidate but a number of possibilities exist. Please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.