Possible Risk Of Transmission

I hope you will understand that I am scared and confused and in need of some stright forward information.  I received lap dances at a strip club. I was fully clothed in light fabric pants. The dancer wore thong panties. I was seated at all times. I now have the 2nd occurence of a very itchy pimple like rash on my upper right buttock. I have "diagnosed" herpes. I need to know whether there is a risk of herpes from receiving lap dances. Why is the herpes on my buttock if I was seated and would not have had direct exposure to this area. I feel like a fool for jeopardizing my sexual health by receiving lap dances, I never realized the risk of contracting herpes through clothing. I am scared and hope you will provide information. I don't know what else to think this itchy rash area is as it mathches the descriptions of herpes that I have read as well as pictures. Thank you very much.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There is zero risk of acquiring herpes or any other STD through clothing.  Your symptoms do not sound particularly like herpes; and although recurrent herpes can involve the buttocks, the initial infection never does.  If you happen to have herpes, you didn't acquire it during the lap dance you describe.  See a health care provider if your symptoms persist.  But be assured you cannot "jeopardize [your] sexual health by receiving lap dances", especially if you remain clothed.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[HJL413]

follow up question;is it possible to contract herpes from vaginal fluid seeping through pants and if so would the sores appear on buttock, thanks.

[Jimmy_Chen]

I am no doctor, but I seriously think you are overly paranoid about your strip club experience. I'm willing to bet it is just a pimple man. Does the "bump" look like it is deep, like under the surface of the skin?

If herpes was easily transmitted from lap dances, herpes would be an epidemic.

[MrT85]

Dude,

I bet you there is not a single guy who didn't get a lap dance. There is NO RISK what so ever of getting ANYTHING from a lap dance. Seriously, don't worry just chill for a bit, you are 100% fine and free of anything related to your lap dance experience!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I already answered your follow-up question.  See my original reply.

HHH, MD

[HJL413]

Here we go again. The red spots did clear up, however last night a new red and itchy spot appeared on virtually the same spot on my right buttock. I scratched and the area is now red and raw in a 2 inch egg shape. The area remains very itchy. My thoughts have again turned to herpes from the lap dance experiences. Other than the strip club I have been in a monogomous relationship for more than 15 years. I continue to fear this is herpes and want to know if my description and/or the fact that it appeared again in 2 weeks at the same spot is an indication. I hope Dr H.H.H. and others with knowledge will provide information. Thanks.