Could be nothing?

[NigelT]

On July 31 I engaged in frotage while getting a massage, then a happy ending. The woman had her panties on, I was naked. It didn't last long, and I'm sure I never came in direct contact with her genitals.  On September 6 I got a happy ending while receiving a massage...nothing else.

On or about August 28 after masturbating i noticed 2 or 3 very small bumps mor or less in a line on the shaft of my penis just below the head, where the skin sort of wrinkles up. They were skin colored, painless and went away within a few days. No ulceration or scabbing and no other symptoms.

This past Wednesday (about 3 weeks later) while masturbating I noticed the same thing.  I don't think I would have seen them if I was not erect. I've  since been watching them closely and to view them now I have to stretch he skin to get a good look. They're nearly gone again. And once again, no pain, no ulceration, no "weeping". They don't apear to have fluid in them and they're not red at all. If I look really hard I think one of them may have a small dimple in the center. Also have not had any other symptoms.

My initial fear was HSV. But after scouring this site I learned 2 things. That my last 2 encounters were basically risk-free, and that this doesn't look or feel at all like herpes as it's been described innumerable times here.

Is this just a 'typical' skin condition? Doctor. I'd really like your thoughts and advice?  Thanks in advance.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I agree withthe messages you wrote yourself.  No change in my opinion or advice.  I really think you are worrying far too much.  EWH

[NigelT]

I got in to see my GP this morning.  Unfortunately there was not much for him to examine, so I tried to describe what had been going on.

He seemed skeptical, as you are, that this is HSV.  I’ve been so stressed about this I actually wrote down the following so as to reassure myself (like a mantra).  I’d really appreciate your thoughts as well:
1.     Despite there being no pain, HSV would have progressed from “bumps” or lesion to blisters to sores/ulcers (I’ve read threads here that agree with this) - mine did not, and I DEFINITELY would have noticed…mine always just seem to “disappear”.
2.     Even if the exposure back in late July had led to transmission, 4 weeks is far too long a period for an initial outbreak to occur.
3.     I seem to be overly fixated and feeling guilty about my recent choices…I need to move on.

These points seem consistent with a number of posts that I’ve read here from yourself and Dr. Handsfield.  His final words were that he did not think this was HSV and that it may something as benign as folliculitis, but he encouraged me to follow up if similar symptoms reappeared.

I'd really appreciate any commentary and I thank you again,

[Edward W Hook, MD]

In terms of STIs, yes, I see nothing to worry about. That still leaves the question of what this might be.  If you feel they are abnormal, you may choose to ask your own doctor or a dermatologist to take a look.  If you choose to do so, I would appreciate knowing what he/she says.  EWH

[NigelT]

Dr. Since my initial post I have observed that the original bumps have healed and a few new ones had emerged directly next to the first set.  These new ones are now nearly entirely gone as well.  All resolved without any pain or ulceration. And none have formed scabs.

Sorry for being redundant, but I assume this further supports the "nothing to worry about" advice.  Thanks again. Bless you,

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thanks.  I'm pleased I could be helpful.  EWH

[NigelT]

Thanks for your comments Dr. I've been thinking that these recent occurrences are not the first I've had here, it's always resolved the same way which, I suppose, further reinforces your advice?  I'll try to heed your words and more ahead without further concern. Thanks again!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to the Forum.  I’ll be pleased to comment.  In preparing to do so I have reviewed your earlier interactions with Dr. Handsfield.  As I did, I happened upon your statement in March "I've gotten to know every bump, crease, and crevice of my penis better than I'd ever hoped." following which Dr. Handsfield urged you to note scrutinize your penis quite so carefully.  I would urge you to do the same.  The bumps you describe, which appear and then resolve in just a few days do not sound like any STI, including HSV recurrences and are more consistent with the appearance and resolution of normal skin changes, perhaps cysts or clogged pores.  They are certainly not anything to worry about and do not suggest any STI, particularly when considered in the context of the no risk nature of your recent experiences.  I would not worry about these.  I hope that you can do this.  EWH