Burning Sensation in Groin

[scaredcmd]

This is lengthy but I appreciate your time in reading and responding to my question.  A brief health overview I am healthy and had a standard screening for STDs approximately 1.5 years ago (herpes not included). In that time I have had 2 sexual partners. I have had a total of 5 sexual partners in my life one of which has had 22 partners. I have previously been diagnosed with MCV, and have had prior treatment for that 2 times with resolution.

My concern now is Herpes. I am a hypochondriac by nature and worry excessively about my health and. I have made some stupid decisions over my lifetime. Approximately 3 weeks ago, I had an intense itching at the top of my pubic hair in the hair in the center of my body, I itched the area harder than I probably should have and the next morning I woke up with a patch of slightly reddish bumps. The area the bumps covered was approximately the size of a US quarter.but none of the bumps clumped together. This area was itchy for a short period of time then had a burning nature very faint but burned. The bumps never broke open with the exception of one I scratched open which then bled. These lesions began to disapere in about 4 or 5 days, I saw a derm on day 6 and the bumps were nearly gone and flat, and the Derm thought it was just irritation. Prescribed a cortizone steroid cream which I have not used. Those bumps have dissapered for the most part still have some slight rash in that area. I had no problems for approximately 1 week then I started having a burning sensation again, in a different area. This time and my current problem and question, the burning is on the left side at the base of my penis but in the pubic hair, not on the penis itself. It is mild to moderate burning that comes and goes, gets more intense when I think about it. There is little to no redness that I can see and no bumps, just burning pain. There is also a small appx 1mm inch red line in that area on the skin under the hair.

I do not recall any changes in lifestyle other than it has been warmer lately, i got a suit i wear dry cleaned, and bought this laundry detergent that is colorless odorless and allegern free. I have had the current burning for 4 days now, with no relief. I have spoke to the higher risk partner my most recent partner regarding her past and she states she has had unprotected sex with only 3 partners, I was on of those. I have not had sexual intercourse with her for 2 months prior to the first set of bumps, and in that time only received oral sex from one female 1 time.

I do not mean to post a useless question but I have checked every link under herpes and most under the general STD forum and have not found anything that resembles what I am dealing with.

My questions for you are:

1. do you think this is or could be a herpes infection?
2. Should I seek herpes testing or would that be a waste of time and money?
3. Should I cease any sexual activity at this time?
4. What could this be?

Thank you again

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your symptoms do not suggest herpes at all, either by description or location.  The other potential causes include any of several skin rashes, folliculitis, fungal infection--or perhaps nothing abnormal at all except a little irritation.  I see no particular reason for you to be tested for HSV infection or to cease sexual activity.  However, you should not rely on this advice for such decisions; see a health care provider.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[scaredcmd]

Thank you for the quick reply, I understand not to rely on an internet doctor :-P I am not even aware of the credentials you possess but Im sure this is a good service, and an amazingly invaluable service at that! Again thank you very much, Im sure I speak on everyones behalf!

Just an aside, to follow up with your comment to see a physician, do you think that is necessary or should I wait this out? Money and Time is a huge factor...

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Most likely it's nothing serious, probably little harm in waiting to see what happens.  But if cost is an issue, free or very low cost care probably is available at your local health department STD clinic.  I can't help with the time part.

HHH, MD

[scaredcmd]

Wow your very quick on the replies! Thank you so much again. Just was looking over the area under bright light and noticed two seperate "lines" one is appx 1-2 cm long and .5 to 1 cm wide does not look like its indented, but is dark red and the shape of a finger nail clipping, the other looks about 1 cm long right beside the other one but very thin same color... these do not appear to be ulcerations but I cant really tell they are very hard to see with the hair, and are at the edge of the base of the penis and the penis shaft. Tehy almost look like tiny veins but the width of the larger one concerns me.  I dont mean to beat a dead horse on this one, i apologize. Am I correct in your reply meaning its not going to be harmful to wait it out, and a doctors visit is not necessary?

thanks again!!!!

[scaredcmd]

Do these threads become inactive after any period of time? I hate to have so many follow up questions but just wanted some peace of mind to my burning.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I can't give any more specific advice than I have.  From your description, I can't even tell whether you are describing normal variations in the appearance of your skin or something abnormal.  Seeing ahealth care provider is the only way to know.  It seems unlikely you have anything serious that would make it harmful to wait, but of course I cannot guarantee that.  Whatever is going on, almost certainly it's not an STD--and that's where my expertise and advice come to an end.

HHH, MD

[scaredcmd]

Many Thanks Doctor... I apologize for the number of follow up questions but appreciate your responses.. You have a remarkable resume and your expertise is quite impressive!