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STDs (Expert Forum)
Pimple on penis vs. HPV/Herpes/STD
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.
Pimple on penis vs. HPV/Herpes/STD
by byong2323, Jul 09, 2008 02:25PM
Hello Doctor,
Recently a pimple-like bump appeared on the shaft of my penis. It developed a white-head which could be "popped" and a yellow/white puss came out. It does have some pain similar to a pimple.
My question is; do any of the typical STD's that appear on the penis develop a white-head or are able to be "popped"? From what I have seen on the web herpes and warts are not usually able to be popped.
What does this sound like?
Thanks
Recently a pimple-like bump appeared on the shaft of my penis. It developed a white-head which could be "popped" and a yellow/white puss came out. It does have some pain similar to a pimple.
My question is; do any of the typical STD's that appear on the penis develop a white-head or are able to be "popped"? From what I have seen on the web herpes and warts are not usually able to be popped.
What does this sound like?
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 09, 2008 03:46PM
, Jul 09, 2008 03:46PM
Garden-variety pimples certain can appear on the penis and it sounds like that's what you had. The only STD that could possibly cause anything like that is herpes. Warts are solid tissue, do not develop white heads, and cannot be popped.
Herpes usually starts with several blister-like lesions, not a single lesion. Also, herpes sores tend to be quite superficial. If it looked like a typical pimple, I see no worries here. However, no distant online expert can make a definite diagnosis. If you think you have been at risk for genital herpes and want to be certain, see a heatlh care provider (very soon, before the lesion heals). Your local health department STD clinic would be a good choice.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Herpes usually starts with several blister-like lesions, not a single lesion. Also, herpes sores tend to be quite superficial. If it looked like a typical pimple, I see no worries here. However, no distant online expert can make a definite diagnosis. If you think you have been at risk for genital herpes and want to be certain, see a heatlh care provider (very soon, before the lesion heals). Your local health department STD clinic would be a good choice.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
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However, I did have one additional question. Regarding genital herpes, is there any defining characteristics that would seperate it from a common pimple? In general what would be a tell tale sign of herpes vs. a pimple.
Thanks.
None of this is hard and fast. But from all you say, you can be pretty sure you had a pimple, not herpes. However, if you need more definite information that this, you will have to see a doctor or clinic in person. You're never going to know for sure by asking questions on this forum or by any searching online.