Herpes concern

[musiclover247]

Male, 49, no known STDs or other medical conditions.  On this past Saturday night, I had two events of hetero, vaginal sex.  One was a long, very vigorous session without condom and another one some hours later, also extended and vigorous with condom (two different partners).

Well into the second session, the woman removed the condom started to perform hand and oral sex on me.  Suddenly, I felt a lot a pain on the side of my penis.  We stopped and and went to the bathroom.  Slightly above where circumcision scar is very red.  Directly below the circumcision scar (for about 1 inch along the circumference and 1/8 wide) was seemingly ripped raw.  Below that on the shaft is very red for about 1 inch down.  I went to bed and in the morning, that area was (and still is) bright red and raw.

I was not aware of any kind of irration or blisters, etc. before these events.  Part of me thinks this was due to the two vigorous sessions and somehow from the condom moving, etc.  However, I would like to know if this could possibly be a Herpes outbreak.  There are no blisters I can see now and it does not quite look like any pictures I have seen, but I have read where abrasion type things could be Herpes...  On the other hand I have never had anything happen quite like this.

My last sexual encounters before these was fully condom protected oral/vaginal on Thursday and unprotected vaginal with a woman of unknown status 2 months ago.

I am currently visiting in Argentina and have no easy way to get to a STD doctor for a look.  I bought some antiseptic (contains Clorhexidene?) which stings quite a bit when applied and the stinging lingers for quite a while.  Parts but not all of the affected area are very tender (these parts are weeping a bit) but not bleeding.

If you think this could be Herpes, I could try to get to a doctor but I would have to ask a colleague to take me and that would be quite embarrasing.  If you think it's not, what should I apply to this?

Thank you

[musiclover247]

Thanks for your replies and advice within them - it is appreciated.  I know it's a paid service but I have a lot of respect for both you and Dr. Hansfield and both of your professional but still human and practical responses on this and the HIV doctor forum.

I tried a little of the antibiotic cream - it does help the discomfort (perhaps as well as Petreoleum Jelly would, I guess).  I am aware of the potential for allergic reaction from Neomycin - I've not had a reaction to it before, but it was not my genitals that I used it on.  That's why I asked... Thanks again.

Sincerely...

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As I said above, my advice would be to put nothing on it.  The antibiotic combination cream you describe might not do any harm but it is unlikely to help.  On the other hand, it could cause and allergic reaction.  EWH

[musiclover247]

Thanks a lot for your feedback, and the info about the aniseptic.  I stopped using it and it helped (but it's still sore in spots).

Any issues if I use some Neomycin Sulfate/Bacitracin combo cream on it?  This thing looks really ugly and I am bit worried about infection as well.  All I can find is the cream I mentioned.  I've used that kind of thing before on finger cuts, etc. with no issues, but maybe it's not good to put on a penis?...

Thank you again

[Edward W Hook, MD]

IThe problem you describe is not at all suggestive of herpes.  For starters, this is not something you caught the night you noted the onset.  The typical period from acquisition to appearance of herpetic lesions is somewhere in the 4-10 day range and lesions NEVER appear immediately.   Your exposure on Thursday, 3 days before Saturday is also on the too brief side to be highly suggestive, not to mention the fact that since that exposure was condom protected, it would be unlikely for you to get herpes at a part of the penis which had been covered by the penis..

In addition to problems with timing, the lesions you describe really do not sound at all like herpes and are far more compatible both by history and in terms of location with trauma from two prolonged vigorous sexual exposures.

So, what about the chlorhexidene.  Is is an antiseptic and just hearing that you put it on an open sore makes me wince.  It is likely to be irritating and the spray you are using may even contain alcohol which would make it sting even more.  In addition, chlorhexidene is likely to slow healing rather than to promote it.  At this time, the best approach would be to keep the spot clean (soap and water) and dry.  

Hope these comments are helpful.  EWH

[musiclover247]

I would like to add that I am confused/concerned why this aniseptic spray makes this feel worse (again, whatever Clorhexidene is...)