Is my doctor correct?

[ebro]

I have had experienced a pain and burning sensation directly under the head of my uncircumcised penis for months now- it varies in intensity but is more or less constant, particularly after stimulation. i had a herpeselct test in august, + for 1, - for 2. What i am concerned about is that 3 days after brief, traumatic unprotected sex with a female who claims to be free of disease, i developed a small, red sore like area in the same spot under the head. it was quite painful and the pain lasted for a month. immediatly next to (and kind of bisecting) this spot is a group of flat, white areas that are painless and have remained unchanged for months. the sore has faded a bit over the last two months, but not envolved. 1 day after protected sex with the same person a month later, the pain began again, and the sore became more visible  i went to a urologist several times, most recently about 3 weeks after the sore had appeared- it was still present but not as red. he examned me a for minutes and diagnosed me as having lichen planus. he did not want to give me steroidal cream because he claimed my penis was very dry. when i asked him if he thought it was herpes, he said defintely not. i got a new herpeselct test 2 days ago and should know the results soon. my questions:1. Does this sound like herpes? Previous neg test, non clustered apperance, no blisters, long term symptoms)2. Can lichen planus actually cause a sore like this? It seems to be most painful/prevelant after stimulation.  Thank you so much for your time and advice.

[monkeyflower]

Or maybe it was the roses... ;-)

Thanks for the comment. I'm deeply flattered to be in such good company!

[ebro]

so i just got my herpeselect test results 10 weeks post exposure- negative!!! I guess i can put this to rest then? i have an appointment with a dermatologist in 2 weeks. Thanks for your advice

[gracefromHHP]

I just figured that monkeyflower sent you a bigger box of chocolates for valentine's day than I did ;)

grace

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Sorry to mis-identify Grace as monkeyflower.  Probably because the two of you consistently offer the best advice here!

HHH, MD

[gracefromHHP]

Did you ever follow up with a dermatologist as I suggested when you posted this on another board?  a 2nd opinion never hurts when you want to confirm what one medical provider tells you.  It would make more sense to see a doctor in person for a consult then to continue posting on multiple online message boards don't you think?

grace

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

From monkeyflower's comment below, it seems you're doctor shopping (or internet shopping) for alternate opinions.  I don't understand why; you have been reassured by a physician--who probably is pretty knowledgeable--that you don't have herpes or any other STD.  From your description, that also is my opinion.

To answer your specific questions: 1) You describe no symptoms that suggest herpes.  2) I don't think of lichen planus causing open sores, but I'm not a dermatologist, so I cannot say for certain.  Any inflammatory condition, no matter the cause, will be most painful and otherwise obvious after being massaged or rubbed.  So I suggest you stop massaging or rubbing it.

If you're not confident in the advice from your urologist, see a dermatologist.  In any case, stop trying to figure this out by online opinion. That approach will never give clear answers.

HHH, MD