Herpes Maybe

[worriedguy04]

i have a question:

Last Fall i had unproected sex with a woman. After that i got tested for everything under the sun, it all came back neg. Just a couple days ago i noticed a small red patch on my scrotum. All it does is itch. There are no bubbles, no oozing, nothing else around. I havent had a fever or been sick in many moons. I have been applying some hydro cortizone cream and it seems to be helping. during the winter i get dry patches terrible on my skin and usually need generous ammonts of lotion.

My question was what are he chances this is herpes. I am just concerned

thanks !

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This doesn't sound at all like herpes, which rarely affects the scrotum alone and doesn't generally show up as a red patch.  You have some sort of dermatitis--maybe a fungal infection, maybe exzema (eczema), maybe psoriasis.  See a health care provider, either a general/family medicine doc or a dermatologist.  But don't lose any sleep over the possibility of herpes.

Good luck-- HHH, MD

[worriedguy04]

Great thanks:

I wasnt aware that herpes usually doesnt affect the scrotum. I will go see my dermatoligist if it doesnt go completely away.

Just to clarify, herepes generally are found on the penis iself and are bubbles that rupture and sore over correct ?

i feel much better

thanks again

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It isn't that the scrotum can never be involved, just that it is rarely the only site of herpes lesions.  But yes, you are right, herpes in men "generally" involves the penis, although any area from mid-thigh to the waist sometimes is affected.  Your description of the skin lesions is correct.

HHH, MD