Herpes Worries

[BIGMISTAKE33]

25 year old male. 6 sexual partners in last 3 months all protected except 8 days ago episode of brief unprotected sex after failure of a condom. 6 days ago noticed 2 marks under head of penis that looked as if the skin had been rubbed off. 4 hours earlier in the day I had masturbated and not noticed any blisters or anything similar as I cleaned myself up. The two spots were circular and did indeed look like the skin was broken. Slightly lower down noticed a bit of redness which when rubbed the skin also seemed to break slightly but there was no redness. I don't know if I could call them ulcers but there was definitely no skin ... almost like a scrape. The skin almost seemed to flap below them. I have rubbed off skin masterbating before but this was not rough and there never has been 2 spots. After first night sleep, marks almost seemed to be gone, no scabbing or crusting just healing over. I applied a bit of hydrocortisone last night and now they are almost completely gone within 48 hours. I have had no pain, blisters, itching, fever or any other typical symptoms of herpes. I am currently traveling in SE Asia (although this girl was british) and have little access to medical care. Is it possible these marks were herpetic lesions that healed in under 48 hours? Is it possible I have herpes or does their quick reaction to hydrocortisone suggest otheriwise  What should I do as have now I am very anxious and rather upset? I also should mention I had unprotected oral sex the night before with another girl although I don't think herpes could present so quickly, I do remember my penis being very dry when I masterbated. I realize the presentation from the sex with other girl fits the timeline for herpes and if these marks reoccur I should get them tested. I just wanted to know what the chances are of my having herpes from what I have told you. These marks were also not raised in anyway and look nothing like any of the pictures I saw online.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You do not seem to understand that you are not at risk.  Masturbation does not reactivate herpes.  What you are describing is most likely trauma.  Obviously my efforts to reassure you are having the opposite effect and causing you to focus more and more on this.  Therefore, the post must end.  Further questions will be deleted.  Please stop worrying, for your own sake.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You do not seem to understand that you are not at risk.  Masturbation does not reactivate herpes.  What you are describing is most likely trauma.  Obviously my efforts to reassure you are having the opposite effect and causing you to focus more and more on this.  Therefore, the post must end.  Further questions will be deleted.  Please stop worrying, for your own sake.  EWH

[BIGMISTAKE33]

11 days since the last incident, I masterbated again last night and am having similar problems. This time the marks are quite small, like pinheads about 3-4. THe skin is definitely broken but already this morning looks almost healed. Could herpes react this way? I.e. triggered everytime by masterbation, is there any other std or explanation for the sudden weakness of my skin. These marks have always been in the area between my head and foreskin ( I am uncircumcised).

[Edward W Hook, MD]

NO!!!  EWH

[BIGMISTAKE33]

It has now been quite some time since I last posted, over the last few days under certain lighting conditions (very bright light) if I look very closely I can see a vague outline of where the marks were, does that change your previous opinion at all?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct. consider yorself reassured.  EWH

[BIGMISTAKE33]

So what you are saying is despite the broken skin the chances of this are very low especially if they healed so quickly and they were not raised, crusty lesions typical of herpes? I am just incredibly anxious and wanted reassurance thank you.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I think your chances of this being herpes are rather low.  You have a good alternative explanation, the description is not typical for herpes and it would be VERY unusual for an initial episode of HSV to heal so quickly.  Typically first episodes take at least 10-14 days to heal.  I think your plan to watch and get the lesions checked if they recur (I think this is unlikely) is a good one.  If this happens, go see a  health care provider ASAP after the lesions occur and get a culture of PCR test.  The blood test for herpes has little to offer you diagnostically at this time. Hope this helps.  EWH