Herpes? Yeast?

[rob08080]

In summary: I received unprotected oral sex 5 months ago. About 3 days later my penis started burning, then eventually redness developed around my penis in spots and the foreskin was red. A dermatologist diagnosed it as yeast and said it did not look like herpes and it improved. However, a few times since then the opening around the penis is red, the foreskin is red, and there will be red spots on the penis that at some point were painful occasionally. Following treatment my penis also peeled and seemed dry.

53 days- negative hiv, syphillis, gomorrhea,chlymadia, herpes IGM and IGG type 1 and
2, and a negative culture for HSV/HZV of the red spots that started that day. Also urine was checked for WBC's and what not and that was clear.

128 days- negative hiv, syphillis, gonorrhea, and chlymadia.

Could this still be herpes?! It's driving me crazy. The redness usually worsens after sweat, but I was concerned about this because I don't want to infect my regular partner.  I'm also concerned because the redness contines, but it has definitely improved its just concerning that it returns once in a while
(Usually clears up in a few days) it seems like after sweating a lot or perhaps drinking beer?. Thanks in advance for any help, basically i would like to know if this sounds like anything serious.

[rob08080]

Good advice!  Finally I wanted to add that I got my blood sugar checked about the same time I developed the yeast infection and it was normal, and I'm also certainly not overweight.  I am however uncircumsized and I know it makes it more likely to develop them so is that probably the cause? I just find it weird that this never occurred until this incident, but of course I understand that it could be a complete coincidence.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Of course Google has no responsibility for who says what on the internet.  Anxious people need to be especially careful about internet searching about the things that worry them.  For HIV and STDs, stick with professionally organized and/or moderated resources and for sure stay away from those dominated by other anxious people!

[rob08080]

Thanks a bunch. If I somehow do end up going to get tested again ill post my results, however I'm confident based on your opinion, the dermatologist, and the physicians assistant opinion that I'm fine. It was just strange that this all occurred after the incident, but the guilt and anxiety could have definitely made it worse. Ps: google needs to remove the human immunodeficiency "penis burns after oral".. Freaks people out!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

From your symptoms and exposure history, I probably would not have recommended an HSV blood test at all.  If it were to be positive, I would conclude you had an asymptomatic HSV infection plus another explanation (probably a fungal infection) for your symptoms.  Accordingly, I see no need for another test.  But if you would like the additional reassurance of a continuing negative result -- which is that you can expect -- feel free to go ahead.

Thanks for the thanks about the forum.  I'm glad to have helped.

[rob08080]

Thank you doctor. My only concern was because I was reading you have to wait 3 months for an IGG test to be accurate.  The beginning of my concern started from googling "penis burns after oral" and one of the things that comes up is hiv and herpes.

Final question. Do you think I need to return to have the igg test again? My doctor who ordered the test didn't request for me to come back in, even for
Hiv which I was freaking out about at the time.  And again thank you very much for the service you provide on this forum!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I meant to add that I'm confident that whatever the exact cause of your problem, it has nothing at all to do with the oral sex event 5 months ago.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.

You had accurate replies on the herpes community forum from informal advisors who are professional and very experienced in genital herpes.  First, the large majority of genital skin rashes are not herpes.  Second, herpes doesn't look like or behave like the rashes you describe -- but yeast infections do.  Third, professional diagnosis of a fungal (yeast) infection is generally accurate.  Fourth, your test results confirm you don't have an HSV infection.

In response to your closing question -- no, this doesn't sound at all serious.  If you are uncircumcised, or if you are obese, these are factors that can predispose to genital fungal infections.  Excellent hygiene will help (retract the foreskin and wash with soap and water daily), and keep the whole area clean and dry, e.g. with talcum powder or cornstarch during the day.  If these measures don't help control the problem, speak with your doctor about other measures -- or perhaps see a dermatologist for more detailed and perhaps more professional advice.

But don't worry about herpes.  There is absolutely nothing in your story that suggests it and all evidence is against it.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD