Herpes Diagnosis

I had some questionable exposure in a foreign country after I believe something was slipped in my drink. Shortly thereafter I developed a rash (redness no itching) in both folds of the groin/thigh. After my girlfriend had an irregular pap test and some itching I went to my doctor to be tested. Her gyno examined her and diagnosed a vaginal infection. I was tested at 8 weeks (herpes select) and my doctor said my blood work came back pristine and not to worry. I have been unable to rid myself of this redness in the folds and it has now been almost 4 months. I asked my doctor and he said the rash is Tinea and not to worry.He gave me a prescription which has worked I have been obsessing ever since this has happened. I haven't had any sores or discomfort. Should I be re-tested? Thanks for answering my question.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Long before I got to the diagnosis given by your doctor, I had come to the conclusion that you had tinea.  Tinea is the medical term used to describe a fungal infection.  Fungal infections such as this as almost never the result of sexual contact but rather are a consequence of the moisture present (between your scrotum and thigh for instance) providing the opportunity for fungus to grow.  Other terms for tinea are "jock itch" in men, "diaper rash" in babies.  It can happen to anyone and is not an STD.  Fungal treatment is just about always effective.

Your results are were negative before and there is no reason to think that they might have changed.   You do not need further testing.   Time to move forward.

Hope this helps.  EWH