Herpes/HPV or hopefully something Else

[toadstool]

Hi Drs.

I'll keep as short as possible.

I had condom protected vaginal sex with a Female CSW in central Europe 17 weeks ago. Brief under 4 minutes and she was on top. Full STD Panels at 5 days, 8.5 weeks and 13.5 weeks - negative for everything. HSV testing is not available in my country.

16 weeks post exposure. I noticed a small bump (1.5mm in diameter max). On shaft of my penis about 1 cm from base when flacid and approx half way up shaft when erect. It is slighlty lighter colour than my skin in that area kinda pinkish. it is not noticable to see when erect due to lighter colour of the stretched skin. It has a small white area in the center and there is a fully grown pubic hair sticking out of it. On your advice to other posters I haven't tried manipulating it much but I don't think it can be squeezed or burst. I can pull the hair to lift the bump from the penis so it appears to be just attached to the foreskin. My scrotum is quite red looking

The bump is not painfuul or itchy. Although I have noticed much more itchiness in my genital area than usual. Having said that, I am thinking about that area about 18hrs a day so that probably has a lot to do with it. Following the exposure 16 weeks ago I have kept a pretty carefull eye on my genitals and haven't noticed any other issues. 3 previous doctors exams I have had hadn't noticed any problems except from some irritation foreskin (red skin - no bumps). I was told to keep it dry and clean and let air at it often. I don;t believe this is related to this bump. The doctors haven't seen this bump.

On the evidence provided (the bump, timing, exposure etc...) can you please indicate if there are any herpes or HPV worries if possible.

Thank you for your previous assistance on the HIV prevention forum.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Even with the hair falling out, what you describe sounds very much like folliculitis.  Not all folliculitis has hairs that emerge from the lesions (pustules).  The best way to manage folliculitis is to wash with soap and water using a washcloth or mild abrasive sponge like a loofah sponge.  Thi sis not an sTD.  If you are still torubled withthe, please se a dermatologist who can work with you to get things cleared up.  EWH

[scott333]

Hey, I can't believe I read your post. I have approx. 4 or five of the same exact things on my shaft. Except they are right in the middle. Its really weird how you can see the hair right there. My doc. asked me about multiple sex partners when he saw them and said they looked viral. "he did'nt explain what he meant by that' I told him and showed him the hairs and he said it could be folliculitis, gave me some anti-biotics and sent me home. They don't really bother me and I want to rip the hairs out so bad, but he said don't touch them. The problem with me though is that the skin aboud seems inflamed and the skin seems like its been rubbed off in some places. I don't know if this is normal. I like you had unproteced 'oral sex performed on me' about 16 weeks ago, and I can't help but think this is related, cause I never had any problems down there in my life. I'm still looking for answers. I'v been tested for gon/clym/syph. all Neg. I'v posted here on the expert forum. Nothing, I still have the symptoms. I'm trying to make appt. with another doc. I wish you luck, and will keep an eye on you post... Thanks,,,, Scott333

[toadstool]

Thank you for your response.

Unfortunately, the hair that was in the bump came out the other night while washing. The bump hasn;t changed now 2 weeks after noticing it. It hasn't got bigger (perhaps it is tiny bit smaller but couldn't say for sure). I do not know long would it normally take Folliculitus to disappear?

I woke up 2 days ago with really dark red patches under the foreskin at the tip of the penis. 90% of the redness was gone within 24 hours and in 48 hours its practically all gone. I guess this is just mild irration (there was no pain or discomfort). I assume I have nothing to worry about with this.

Thank you and last questions I promise.

Kind regards.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

What you have descibed is a perfect description of folliculitis.  Folliculitis occurs when the pores in your skin get plugged.  This allows that normal bacteria that are present on just about every-one's skin to grow and cause what is essentially a pimple.  Some follicultis is flesh/pinkish in color.  Some of these also  just appear as red bumps which may or may not be  tender while others go on to actually form pimples.  In either case, they can be accompanied by swelling of nearby lymph nodes (FYI, swollen lymph nodes are a totally non-specific indicator that your body is reacting to something.  That something causing the swollen node could be folliculitis, an STD, or even athlete's foot).  In some instances, if you look closely you can see a hair coming out of, or nearby the bump- this too is typical of folliculitis).  "Treatment" of folliculitis is soap and water, combined with the sort of mild abrasion that you get from using a wash cloth or loofah sponge.  Congratualtions for not squeezing it.  You are doing the right thing.

Believe your STD tests. You do not have an STD.  Hope thishelps.  Take care.  EWH