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STDs (Expert Forum)
Pimple on the base of penis shaft
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 the base of penis shaft
by kindaworried04, Nov 04, 2007 07:56PM
Hello Dr.,
About 3 days ago I noticed a pimple on the shaft of my penis, toward the base of it. It is the size of a typical pimple that one would have on their face and looks exactly like one as well. It is red in color, with no fluid discharge whatsoever. In my stupidity, I remembered that in my younger years a little bit of toothpaste cleared up my pimple problems by drying them out, so I placed a dab of toothpaste on it to dry it out. I just washed it off a few minutes ago, and it looks like I irritated it because there was a very tiny bit of blood on the top (like when one shaves over a pimple) ,however it did shrink a little.
I been with my girlfriend for about 4 years, I have been completely faithful, and we have ALWAYS practiced safe sex (with the exception of oral sex being unprotected). I have never had any sexual contact with anyone in my life besides her. I have never had any sort of pimple,wart,growth or anything of that nature since we have been sexually active. She had one sexual partner about 2 years before me, and she did have STD testing done with the results being negative.Bottom line, neither of us have ever cheated and have had oral and vaginal sex with eachothe only. Lately I have been shaving my pubic hair, with a razor blade. I was wondering if the pimple may be an ingrown hair because my hair has been growing back.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
About 3 days ago I noticed a pimple on the shaft of my penis, toward the base of it. It is the size of a typical pimple that one would have on their face and looks exactly like one as well. It is red in color, with no fluid discharge whatsoever. In my stupidity, I remembered that in my younger years a little bit of toothpaste cleared up my pimple problems by drying them out, so I placed a dab of toothpaste on it to dry it out. I just washed it off a few minutes ago, and it looks like I irritated it because there was a very tiny bit of blood on the top (like when one shaves over a pimple) ,however it did shrink a little.
I been with my girlfriend for about 4 years, I have been completely faithful, and we have ALWAYS practiced safe sex (with the exception of oral sex being unprotected). I have never had any sexual contact with anyone in my life besides her. I have never had any sort of pimple,wart,growth or anything of that nature since we have been sexually active. She had one sexual partner about 2 years before me, and she did have STD testing done with the results being negative.Bottom line, neither of us have ever cheated and have had oral and vaginal sex with eachothe only. Lately I have been shaving my pubic hair, with a razor blade. I was wondering if the pimple may be an ingrown hair because my hair has been growing back.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Nov 04, 2007 11:08PM
, Nov 04, 2007 11:08PM
No online provider can come up with a definitive diagnosis by written description. Most lesions that look and behave like pimples are just that, and certainly pimples are not uncommon on the penis or elsewhere in the genital area. And folliculitis, i.e. a pimple-like infection of a hair follicle, certainly is a possibility.
Could it be herpes? Possibly, most likely not. If the lesion has a firm bump with a pustule (whitehead) on top, herpes is unlikely. If there is no swelling or bump that you can feel, herpes is more likely. Think of a pimple or folliculitis as being "in" the skin, i.e. the problem is deeper and emerges on the surface. Think of herpes as being "on" the skin, without the deeper swelling. And herpes usually presents with several lesions simultanously, not just one. These are only clues, but they may help you make an educated guess. But there are exceptions to all these clues, and the only way to know for sure is to see a health care provider.
Bottom line: That you and your partner seem to be at low risk for STD also suggests something other than herpes. But of in doubt, visit your personal healthc are provider.
Could it be herpes? Possibly, most likely not. If the lesion has a firm bump with a pustule (whitehead) on top, herpes is unlikely. If there is no swelling or bump that you can feel, herpes is more likely. Think of a pimple or folliculitis as being "in" the skin, i.e. the problem is deeper and emerges on the surface. Think of herpes as being "on" the skin, without the deeper swelling. And herpes usually presents with several lesions simultanously, not just one. These are only clues, but they may help you make an educated guess. But there are exceptions to all these clues, and the only way to know for sure is to see a health care provider.
Bottom line: That you and your partner seem to be at low risk for STD also suggests something other than herpes. But of in doubt, visit your personal healthc are provider.
Hey Doc, I read this about 10 times and I am not sure what it means. If it is a bump, wouldn't you be able to feel the skin being higher than the adjacent skin around it?