Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
STDs (Expert Forum)
Multiple and conflicting symptoms..Is it herpes?...HELP
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Multiple and conflicting symptoms..Is it herpes?...HELP
by confused concerned, Jul 12, 2007 12:00AM
30 yr old male with a variety of symptoms. Over two months ago notice three good sized bumps on my left waist line/hip. Itched for a few days and went away. About 2 week later I noticed a similar bump on my left side went away. This was followed by several small bumps around my hips and eventually progressed into the public hair region. Just finished a marathon so thought it may be jock itch. The itching intensified in the pubic hair region..very itchy and small pinkish/red bumps stopped about two weeks ago. Small bumps keep popping up on both sides of my hips/thighs that get very itchy and go away. About two weeks ago started getting burning on the right side of my groin and testicle area. Finally last week I notice two or three small bumps on the head of my penis. Never any blistering and not itchy...just kind of appeared. I have since got some burning on the left side of the groin and slight pain...went away in a day or so. I am concerned that a lot of these signs sound like herpes. However, the duration and wide area especially in pubic hair itching made me think other wise. I still have small bumps on both my hips (about 8-10 on both sides) and a small red mark on my penis. Never had any blistering or oozing. Obviously very concerned. Any advice? Something other than herpes? Only sexual contact in past three months-intercourse once where I used a condom and recieved oral sex about three times unprotected (two different people).
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 12, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 12, 2007 12:00AM
You are right in your 'otherwise' thinking. Herpes doesn't cause the type of skin lesions (itchy bumps that don't become blisters) or lesions in the locations you describe. Scabies, a skin infestation by tiny (almost microscopic mite), sounds possible, and commonly includes the penis as well as lower abdomen, hands, and other areas. Or it could be any number of other skin conditions. I can only guess; you'll need to see a health care provider, ideally a dermatologist. You'll never get a clear diagnosis by searching the web or online advice; your symptoms are too nonspecific.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Thank you for all your help.