Pimple on Penis

I have not been sexually active in over a year and a half, but last night out of no where I had what appears to be a pimple right on the head of my penis where it meets the shaft. It is sensitive just like a pimple. It has a big white head on it, but I have restrained from popping it. It doesn't look like anything on the websites I have seen. Could it be Herpes or Molluscom or is it just a pimple? If it lasts more than a couple days I will seek medical advice, but I am curious for your opinion before I pay for a doctors visit and the embarassment. Thank you for your time.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This sounds like nothing more than a pimple, which are not infrequent on the penis.  Conceivably herpes could behave this way, but usually not.  (One clue:  herpes lesions are pretty superficial, but pimples are deeper; think of a herpes lesions as being on the surface of the skin, and pimples as originating "in" the skin.  This isn't hard and fast, but if this started with a firm bump that later developed a whitehead, herpes is less likely.)  It definitely isn't molluscum.

Since pus has already drained, it is unlikely a health care provider will be able to make a definite diagnosis based on how the lesion looks; and the longer you wait, the less likely a viral culture would be positive, even if you have herpes.  If it clears up and nothing like it recurs, you probably need do nothing.  But if you want even more certainty, you could have a blood test for HSV to help sort it out.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD