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Herpes, Contact Abrasions, or Something Else?
Hi,
I'm a male in my late 20s. I had protected sex last week (6 or 7 days ago) with a new partner who claimed to be clean of STDs. There was quite a bit of grinding while nude and the like, but no penetration without a condom.
I should also note in advance that my thighs have been getting larger in the past year or so and that my jeans are pretty tight now. I actually have some stretch marks from the weight gain. I also sweat quite a bit between my thighs. So much so that I developed jock itch about a year and a half ago, resolved now.
Today I noticed about 5-10 skin deep abrasions (just the top layer of skin missing) on my upper, inner thigh, each circular with a diameter of about 3-7 mm. There didn't appear to be any blistering. These spots were very slightly red, and did not itch, ooze, or elicit pain. This was on my left thigh. There was a much less pronounced and singular, similar abrasion on my upper right thigh in about the same place, about 2-4 inches below where the leg meets the torso.
Today was the first time I noticed anything amiss, I'm typically pretty observant. I suppose something could have escaped my observation, though.
There are no abrasions, sores, or raised spots on my penis that I can tell, or in other areas. Simply the thigh(s); primarily the left.
I am mortified that this might be herpes. I accept the possibility that it might simply be contact abrasion between my jeans and thighs, but I haven't noticed these marks before. And, it comes at a bad time after new sexual contact.
What are the chances that this is herpes?
Thanks so much,
Concerned
I'm a male in my late 20s. I had protected sex last week (6 or 7 days ago) with a new partner who claimed to be clean of STDs. There was quite a bit of grinding while nude and the like, but no penetration without a condom.
I should also note in advance that my thighs have been getting larger in the past year or so and that my jeans are pretty tight now. I actually have some stretch marks from the weight gain. I also sweat quite a bit between my thighs. So much so that I developed jock itch about a year and a half ago, resolved now.
Today I noticed about 5-10 skin deep abrasions (just the top layer of skin missing) on my upper, inner thigh, each circular with a diameter of about 3-7 mm. There didn't appear to be any blistering. These spots were very slightly red, and did not itch, ooze, or elicit pain. This was on my left thigh. There was a much less pronounced and singular, similar abrasion on my upper right thigh in about the same place, about 2-4 inches below where the leg meets the torso.
Today was the first time I noticed anything amiss, I'm typically pretty observant. I suppose something could have escaped my observation, though.
There are no abrasions, sores, or raised spots on my penis that I can tell, or in other areas. Simply the thigh(s); primarily the left.
I am mortified that this might be herpes. I accept the possibility that it might simply be contact abrasion between my jeans and thighs, but I haven't noticed these marks before. And, it comes at a bad time after new sexual contact.
What are the chances that this is herpes?
Thanks so much,
Concerned
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question; I'll try to help.
For HSV infections to take hold, generally the virus is massaged into the affected area. For that reason, initial genital herpes infections usually occur at the sites of maximum friction during sex -- the penis in men, vaginal opening and labia minor in women, or the anus after anal sex. Therefore, although recurrent herpes can involve the groin, buttocks, scrotum, etc, these rarely are the sites of initial herpes.
So the location of your symptoms is wrong for herpes. Equally important, so are the symptoms themselves. Herpes doesn't cause abrasion-like lesions of the sort you describe. And you have another, seemingly very likely explanation for the lesions described.
So I am quite confident this isn't herpes and has nothing at all to do with your recent sexual exposure. To be certain, you should of course be professionally examined -- and the sooner the better, as early examination and testing are typically much more likely to have signs the doctor would recognize and to have more accurate lab testing.
I'll be interested to know the outcome after you have been examined by a doctor or clinic. In the meantime, be relaxed about it. I will be very surprised if this turns out to be herpes.
Best regards-- HHH, MD
For HSV infections to take hold, generally the virus is massaged into the affected area. For that reason, initial genital herpes infections usually occur at the sites of maximum friction during sex -- the penis in men, vaginal opening and labia minor in women, or the anus after anal sex. Therefore, although recurrent herpes can involve the groin, buttocks, scrotum, etc, these rarely are the sites of initial herpes.
So the location of your symptoms is wrong for herpes. Equally important, so are the symptoms themselves. Herpes doesn't cause abrasion-like lesions of the sort you describe. And you have another, seemingly very likely explanation for the lesions described.
So I am quite confident this isn't herpes and has nothing at all to do with your recent sexual exposure. To be certain, you should of course be professionally examined -- and the sooner the better, as early examination and testing are typically much more likely to have signs the doctor would recognize and to have more accurate lab testing.
I'll be interested to know the outcome after you have been examined by a doctor or clinic. In the meantime, be relaxed about it. I will be very surprised if this turns out to be herpes.
Best regards-- HHH, MD
I was able to meet with my regular GP (I actually am in the US--have always called my primary care physician/internist a GP; don't know why). He said it was an initial screw up that I got the blood test that doesn't differentiate between types, but the positive result from the first test didn't look like a recent exposure. He ordered the proper test (for which I'm sure I'll be charged), the results of which were given to me over the phone today. This time, both strains were negative, but, according to my GP's nurse my GP thought there was a chance that it may be initial HSV-2 infection and to do the test again in a month. The only sexual contact I've had in the past 10-12 weeks was oral sex and the one vaginal sexual encounter with a condom. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the initial 'outbreak' was a outbreak at all. Anyway, still confused but a bit more hopeful. I'll report back after the next test result. Thanks for your help earlier--that was fantastic.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree in your disappointment. You need to have a blood test that clearly distinguishes between HSV-1 and HSV-2. Accept nothing less. (Assuming you are in the US or other western country, such testing should be readily available in whatever lab your doctor uses.) An HSV test that doesn't distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2 antibodies is pointless and the result should be disregarded. I would recommend against taking any antiviral medication at this point.
Now looking back at your initial question, I wonder whether you are in the UK. ("GP" remains in common use there, but not in North America.) If so, I suggest see a genitourinary medicine specialist, either privately (e.g., at London's Freedom Health clinic) or at your local NHS GUM clinic. Proper testing will be available and you'll be seeing truly knowledgeable professionals.
Now looking back at your initial question, I wonder whether you are in the UK. ("GP" remains in common use there, but not in North America.) If so, I suggest see a genitourinary medicine specialist, either privately (e.g., at London's Freedom Health clinic) or at your local NHS GUM clinic. Proper testing will be available and you'll be seeing truly knowledgeable professionals.
The blood test came back as positive for HSV antibodies. I am not surprised as I have kissed many folks over the years. I kind of expect to have HSV-1, though I don't ever remember having cold sores.
I talked to a nurse who gave me the results. She admitted that at this point there is at least some doubt that it's HSV-2. However she called in the antiviral meds for me. I've filled the prescription, but haven't taken the meds yet.
I meet with the doc on Monday. I do have a small blister-like single bump on the back of my right thigh (not where the initial rash was; that was on my left thigh). It has been there for about a week and I don't think it will be completely gone by Monday--should I ask them to take a culture? I was disappointed that the blood test they gave me didn't differentiate between the types.
I talked to a nurse who gave me the results. She admitted that at this point there is at least some doubt that it's HSV-2. However she called in the antiviral meds for me. I've filled the prescription, but haven't taken the meds yet.
I meet with the doc on Monday. I do have a small blister-like single bump on the back of my right thigh (not where the initial rash was; that was on my left thigh). It has been there for about a week and I don't think it will be completely gone by Monday--should I ask them to take a culture? I was disappointed that the blood test they gave me didn't differentiate between the types.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If the rash is continuing, seeing a dermatologist would make sense.
Do you think it would be wise at this point to seek a second opinion?
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your responses on this matter.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your responses on this matter.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Sorry to hear of the increased confusion. I continue to be skeptical this is herpes. Even if it is, the blood test today won't help except possibly as a negative baseline. Most likely you'll need another test in 3-4 months to see if a negative result becomes positive.
Update:
Just visited a GP, couldn't see my normal GP on such short notice.
As I explained the scenario, he said, "It probably is [herpes]" even before seeing the lesions. After looking at the lesions, he stated that they did look somewhat like they could be resolving blisters and maybe I had not seen the blisters beforehand. He said that he could honestly not be sure whether it was herpes or not. He then gave me the blood test for the antibodies. I also asked him about the similar, singular lesion that I had on right thigh, but he said that didn't make a difference.
At the end of they day, I now don't know whether I have herpes and if I will ever know conclusively. The GP wasnt nearly as helpful as I hoped.
I'm really really upset and honestly depressed. And disappointed.
Just visited a GP, couldn't see my normal GP on such short notice.
As I explained the scenario, he said, "It probably is [herpes]" even before seeing the lesions. After looking at the lesions, he stated that they did look somewhat like they could be resolving blisters and maybe I had not seen the blisters beforehand. He said that he could honestly not be sure whether it was herpes or not. He then gave me the blood test for the antibodies. I also asked him about the similar, singular lesion that I had on right thigh, but he said that didn't make a difference.
At the end of they day, I now don't know whether I have herpes and if I will ever know conclusively. The GP wasnt nearly as helpful as I hoped.
I'm really really upset and honestly depressed. And disappointed.
Thanks, that makes me feel much better. I've spent the majority of the day very, very worried.
The last time I felt as though something was abnormal, I ended up having a very small wart on the shaft of my penis. Which was incredibly distressing. Luckily treated with no of symptoms. After that, I made a pact with myself to wear a condom with all new partners.
In terms of my "diagnosis" of abrasion lesions, that was my interpretation as a non-medical person. And the Internet seems rife with "doom-and-gloom the rash on your your foot could be herpes" talk. All I can say is that the marks were circular, multiple and only the top layer of skin seemed to be missing. The timing of it all is the most distressing and the mild similarity of pattern to the pictures posted on the net.
I actually with the partner in question nice before, without any sex. Her private parts did come in contact with my leg for some time as a part of foreplay--not sure about the affected area, though.
But it seems unlikely that herpes is the case based on your expertise :-)
I will report back after I get formally checked out, which is hopefully tomorrow.
In the meantime, I'll sleep better.
Thank you.
The last time I felt as though something was abnormal, I ended up having a very small wart on the shaft of my penis. Which was incredibly distressing. Luckily treated with no of symptoms. After that, I made a pact with myself to wear a condom with all new partners.
In terms of my "diagnosis" of abrasion lesions, that was my interpretation as a non-medical person. And the Internet seems rife with "doom-and-gloom the rash on your your foot could be herpes" talk. All I can say is that the marks were circular, multiple and only the top layer of skin seemed to be missing. The timing of it all is the most distressing and the mild similarity of pattern to the pictures posted on the net.
I actually with the partner in question nice before, without any sex. Her private parts did come in contact with my leg for some time as a part of foreplay--not sure about the affected area, though.
But it seems unlikely that herpes is the case based on your expertise :-)
I will report back after I get formally checked out, which is hopefully tomorrow.
In the meantime, I'll sleep better.
Thank you.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
