Could this be herpes

[DR79]

Hi doc...my exposure was unprotected oral sex - both giving and receiving with a woman (I am a man) as well as some genital to genital rubbing 3 months ago. Two days ago, about an hour after masturbating, I looked at my penis and saw a red spot on the head - towards the bottom ridge of the head. If one closely examines the head of the penis, the normal appearance (at least mine) looks a bit "pebbly" around the ridge of the head. This red spot had one of the "pebbles" that looked a bit enlarged. Did not look fluid filled. Just a little bit of an enlarged "pebble" inside a red area. I have monitored this for a few days - the redness has all but gone away - if I showed this to someone, I don't even think they would notice the spot - but of course, it is apparant to me. I have had a bit of pain - but I can't be sure it's coming from that spot...feels like a pain at the base of my penis but I can't be sure. (I was also recently diagnosed with a prostate infection, and given Cipro, 500mgs 2 times daily, so perhaps the penis pain could be due to this infection?) The red spot doesn't hurt or itch or tingle when I touch it. Could it be psychosomatic, as I am very anxious about this and thinking about it all the time? I have read that prodromal symptoms could precede a lesion by as much as 72 hours. If nothing appears in this area by tomorrow - would it be safe to say this is not herpes? Would herpes normally present as a red area - and then the redness abates, only to have a lesion form a few days later? Could this be related to irritation from masturbation? Thank you in advance for your response.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I can't diagnose by online description, but it doesn't sound particularly like herpes.  If the red spot was caused by masturbation, it can't be herpes; but if it was there and you only noticed it after masturbation, it could be anything.  If the spot fades within 1-2 days and never turns to an open sore or blister, you can probably safely forget it.  Otherwise, see a healthc are provider.

HHH, MD

[DR79]

Sorry for the second post Doc...I think it bears mentioning that the girl I was with did not have any outward symptom of an STD - no lesions or sores that I could see, no discharge, etc. Thanks.

[DR79]

Doc...for clarification - it has not turned into any type of sore or lesion thus far - 2 days since I noticed it. Should I safely forget it now, or do you mean to wait an additional 2 days?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I didn't mean the time frame with so much precision.  2 days, 4 days, somewhere in there, from wherever you want to start counting.  If it's getting worse at any time, or if not better soon, see a provider.

HHH, MD