Is this normal on scrotum?

[ILGuy]

Thank you for the great site.  I have learned a lot reading through it the past few days.

I am married and around six weeks ago experimented at an adult book store.  I performed and had performed on me nonprotected oral sex two times in a couple of day span.  I felt very guilty and had tingling, etc that went away once I stopped thinking about it (the mind is quite powerful).

I examined myself earlier this week and noticed what could be a chancre or just normal human anatomy.  Since I've never examined myself in detail this could be normal.  It could also be syphilis from what I have read here.

http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0336gn6.jpg

The 'sore' which does not hurt starts where the line from my anus ends.  It is like a hole right at the base of my scrotum.
http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0340qd9.jpg

The hole:
http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0332zm7.jpg

I tried going to a local Chicago burb STD clinic but they were not in business anymore.  What is the best method to find a free clinic?  I have insurance but the would send paperwork home and at this point that wouldn't work.  I've tried to Google search but I am coming up without much besides hospitals.  

Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

With apology, I do not examine questioners' photographs of lesions etc.  In my mind, it come to close to practicing medicine from a distance.

Oral sex is low risk; and if you had acquired syphilis from the exposure, the lesion would only be on the penis--unless there were substantial oral contact (not just a brush of the lips or light kiss) with the exact area you are concerned about.  In general, chancres of the scrotum are rare.  Further, a chancre is an open, weeping sore; if you're not even sure whether it might be the normal appearance of your scrotal skin, then it isn't a chancre.

If you think the scrotal lesion is abnormal, you need to see a health care provider and not look for definitive answers online.  Call the Chicago health department; they will be able to tell the location of the nearest STD clinic.  They probably also have information about community clinics in the area.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[ILGuy]

I forgot to mention that my penis is 'normal' and has had nothing on it.

[who_is_this]

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0238586281.1153074492@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfaddifjgheglcefecelldffhdfgm.0&contentOID=536919287&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Residents&blockName=Promo+Item&channelId=-536879026&programId=536879106

(you can also look under cityofchicago.org under "Clinical Care Services")

or


http://chiaddult.tripod.com/public_health.htm

[ILGuy]

who_is_this - thanks for the links.  I am looking for something in the NW burbs if possible.  All of them that I find are in downtown Chicago or very close to it.

[Englishman]

Hi Doc, I am curious as to why you do not look at photographs to support your opinion. A photograph is just another source of information, like the text that people write when they describe the exposure and symptoms. Some say a photograph can describe a 1000 words. Isn't the very nature of MedHelp.org practicing medicine from afar? I am certain that new technology such as video conferencing will change the way that doctors and patients interact. I know that this is already being trialled in the U.K. NHS (National Health Service). Seeing a professional advisor in person is always going to be the best option, but before then would't one want to seek as much information about the patient as possible?

[ILGuy]

What is the definition of a 'weeping sore'?  I have noticed in the last week that the area on my scrotum will have a white substance on it in the morning that rubs off.  

"if you're not even sure whether it might be the normal appearance of your scrotal skin, then it isn't a chancre."

Can you please explain this further?  Are you stating that if it was a chancre it would be very obvious?  The area is in a fold and seems just like normal skin, but it looks like an indentation when spread apart a little.  

I found the information for the health clinic in my area.  I am going to call tomorrow to get looked into in person.  

Thanks