Difference Between Genital Herpes and Tinea Crusis/Jock Itch

[becivil]

Thank you in advance for answering my question.

On May 20 2006 I had unprotected vaginal intercourse and gave oral sex to a woman who has recently been separated from her husband of 10-years. She had no noticeable symptoms of any STD.

Both of us have a clean medical history and have been tested for all STD's within the last three years. Her when she had her child and me when my wife had ours.

Approximately 3-weeks later I noticed some small cracks between my scrotum and my thigh. I was concerned but ignored it for a couple of more days. It then turned into a red rash in the fold of skin in the groin area with raised edges and a clearing center and itched like crazy. Nothing on the penis.  I then made an appointment with my doctor on June 13th that told me I had fungus and prescribed me Nizoral.  

As of today the rash is still there and seems to be spreading a little bit. I called the Doc back and he said that I could take up to one month for the rash to clear.

So my question is could the rash I have be genital herpes or Syphilis? I am assuming that genital herpes would look different but some online resources say it can be as mild as jock itch and I have read that 90% of people who have it don’t know it.  I am in a location where STD testing is not readily available and all the online test resource centers have told me to wait at least 3-months.

My wife and I are going to try to have another baby but I can't seem to get past this horrible mistake and don't want to pass anything on to her.

I have done loads of research on the Internet to try and self-diagnose but it is providing me little comfort.

I apologize in advance for posting another semi-anxiety question but am just looking for a little re-assurance so I can sleep at night.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

From your description, herpes does not sound like a possibility.  As you suggest, tinea cruris (jock itch) sounds likely.  Another option is erythrasma, a bacterial infection that typically occurs in the folds of the thigh and groin; it does not respond to Nizoral or other antifungal medications.  If you or your doctor have any doubt, ask for referral to a dermatologist. But don't worry about herpes; it doesn't cause the sort of rash you describe.  I truly don't think you need to worry about it.

Good luck-- HHH, MD

[desperatelyseeking]

Stop looking at online sources. It will only drive you crazy. The more you read about STD's the more symptoms you seem to magically acquire. Focus on your health both physically & mentally & find a doctor that you trust 150%.