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STDs (Expert Forum)
very depressed
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.
very depressed
by rashyone, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
I had unprotected sex with and ex gf one night and the next day broke out in a severe bumpy inflammed rash.I went to minor medical where I tested + for chlamydia and the doc said the bumps were just irritation from the sex not herpes.The rash went away and then came back about 2 weeks later.I went to my doctor which threw out herpes.About 3 weeks after that I had a circular rash with a bump in the middle.I went to an std clinic and the nurse said it was just irritation not herpes and to just relax and stop touching my penis.About 2 weeks later it appeared again. Confused I went to a dermatologist.He said it was most likely herpes and he wanted to swab it.He gave me acyclovir cream which gave me the worst rash ever.He said the culture was negative and he gave me a cream to get rid of my newly acquired rash.It went away. 2-3 weeks later It happened again this time super inflammed with rashy bumps all over.The derm did a biopsy.The results came back and just said inflammation he told me herpes was no longer a factor.About a month later it happend again a rashy scabby inflammed itchy painful son of a gun.Went back to my derm and he swabbed it for herpes and swabbed it for bacterial.Both came back neg.Here I am about 2 weeks later with another rash.What is going on?? please help in any way you can
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., May 18, 2007 12:00AM
, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
Despite the initial impression of your dermatologist, I doubt you had herpes at all. However, a way to know for sure is to have a blood test for HSV (but wait until at least 3 months after the first symptoms.
No other STD is possible as an explanation of these symptoms. Sound most like some combination of chemical irritation and allergies. In any case, I can only guess. You should follow up with your dermatologist; or if uncertain that he is on top of things, ask for a second opinion.
Bottom line: This dosn't sound like an STD problem of any kind, but if your dermatologist is pretty certain his initial herpes diagnosis was possibly right, talk to him about an HSV blood test.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
No other STD is possible as an explanation of these symptoms. Sound most like some combination of chemical irritation and allergies. In any case, I can only guess. You should follow up with your dermatologist; or if uncertain that he is on top of things, ask for a second opinion.
Bottom line: This dosn't sound like an STD problem of any kind, but if your dermatologist is pretty certain his initial herpes diagnosis was possibly right, talk to him about an HSV blood test.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Related discussions
As for the circular rash, depending on where you live, if you think a tick bite is possible (you might not notice a deer tick nymph--they're very tiny), then I'd mention it to your doctor just in case. I don't think the rash from lyme disease would come and go, but it doesn't hurt to say something anyway.
Wouldn't a biopsy of the skin on the rash and two negative cultures 100% rule out herpes??? I know an actual lesion has to be present but wouldn't taking the skin be getting it??
What should I try as far as a cream or should I just leave it alone and hope it runs its course??I think if I have a blood test it will just confirm no herpes...so Should I go see a urologist? If I didn't treat the epydidymidis at alll could that be causing this?? I didn't think herpes breaks out every two weeks and never goes away.
You could try:
1. Leaving the area alone completely (no shaving, touching, prodding, over-examination etc).
2. Use a mild detergent to wash all you clothes and bed sheets.
3. Fumigate your room incase of any fleas, parasites etc.
4. Wait a month then see if anything happens.
I'm no expert but i've outlined some possibilities (some of which may be very remote you you never know).
In any case, the ultimate diagnosis lies in personal health care, not from speculation on this or any other website. As I said above, continue with your dermatologist, or consider seeing a different one. But there's no point in continued discussion here.
It is a hyper-sensitivity dermatitis to something which I guess means that something is causing a reaction and inflammation in your skin. I think it is a generic term and thus has many causes - notice that flea bites are listed!
As I already said, there is no point in continuing. This thread is over.
As for who to talk to, I assume you mean support? I believe Grace hosts a herpes support board--I think it's called the herpes homepage. Hopefully she'll read this and respond, but if not, post on the STD support board and she can point you in the right direction. You might also check out www.westoverheights.com; they have a great herpes handbook that should answer just about any herpes-related question you can have.