white spots and sore

About 6 months ago I had unprotected sex with a woman I later found out has herpes.  For about 4 months i experienced a vast array of symptoms, but never developed any sores.  My symptoms ranged from frequent urinatition, to pain, burning and swelling in my penis.  I got tested for hiv at 10 weeks and it was negative.  I tested at 7,10,12, and 16 weeks for hsv and was negative for both hsv1 and hsv2.  For the past month I have noticed that a sore has developed on my penis where my fingers contact it when I masturbate.  The sore generally doesn't hurt and except when I masturbate and looks sort of like a brush burn.  Is it possible it is just from mastubating?  Also I have noticed that there are many white spots on the lower half of my penis.  I think they have always been there, but now am wondering what they are.  They are very small and seem to be evenly distributed around my penis.  I only noticed them now, because I started examining myself 24/7 seven days a week when I found out I was at risk for herpes.

So my questions are

1)  Could all the herpes symptoms (burning,pain,tingling) have been due to my constant self examination?-I was pulling, bending, stretching and doing what ever I could to my penis for hours at a time to get a better look at it.
2)  Is it common to get a brush burn area on the penis from masturbation?
3)  What are the little white spots on my penis?
4)  Would you consider my testing to be conclusive or do I need repeat testing?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Irritation from masturbation can lead to your symptoms.  For a more definitive evaluation, you can take a swab and culture the lesions.

2) Depending on the force used, it is possible to have skin irritation from masturbation.

3) Can't say without seeing it.  Various STDs and infections (such as skin infections) can lead to this presentation.  Fungal infections and dermatitis can also be considered.

4) I would consider a dermatology evaluation if the testing remains negative.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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