Continuation - Herpes or Pimple?

[heater]

Dr. HHH - In a continuation of a threat I have running (http://www.medhelp.org/perl6/STD/messages/2947.html - but felt I shouldn't keep asking on that donation), as of AM Day Four following incident, I notice a SINGLE pimple high in my genital area. It is literally where the groin meets my upper thigh. I HAVE had actual pimples there before and if I hadn't been a moron last week, would assume that's all it is. (I also used to shave myself but do not anymore and am wondering if irritation and the like could contribute?) Here are my real questions: (1) Given I really HAVE had pimples in this same area, how likely is a SINGLE Herpes pimple to occur in that area (should I be freaking like I am)? (2) Given that most of my reading says the initial Herpes outbreak lasts +/-21 days, if this goes away in a few days, is that something to consider hopeful? (3) If it IS Herpes, how transittable is this via hand-to-hand, hand-to-utensils, etc.; would clothing be "contagious" (that is, should I be careful with used underwear - I am worried about my family)? (4) The woman who would have given me this was NOT too pleased at my several anxious calls following the incident, but since she said I had "nothing to worry about," I would assume the need to notify her she must have it; can/should I notify other health agencies or the CDC? Is that legal/moral (I know I'm not one to be discussing morals)? (5) I seem to have NO other signs or lesions anywhere in my gentital region - my shaft is especially clear. This (right now) is the only scary aspect. Your comments are extremely helpful, thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This is an entirely inappropriate thread; it should have been a follow-up question in your previous one.  (Only a limited number of new threads can be accepted each day, and unnecessary questions block new ones.)  I would have deleted this one, except that I wanted you to see the responses of others who responded before I did (below).



My only reponses are 1) that this forum is not a substitute for directly medical care by a health professional; 2) zits are common in the groin; 3) nothing you describe suggests that you have genital herpes; and 4) if nevertheless you remain concerned about herpes, see (1).  



HHH, MD

[heater]

BTW - I clearly meant "thread" but maybe it was a Freudian slip...

[Brian123]

Heater,



I think you may be drastically over-emphasizing the severity/reality of HSV.

Just last week I had the same situation...a raised bump in between the scrotum and the upper thigh....simply a clogged hair follicle (a.k.a. "pimple").  They happen from time-to-time.  I think if you had a severe case of Herpes....you most defintely would KNOW it.



And besides...if you are that concerned with HSV....Look into either the Pocket Test or another reliable HSV testing kit provided by your health care provider. I THINK the minimum amount of time needed is 6 weeks.



Take Care.

Brian

[heater]

Thanks, Brian. You (and others) have been very reassuring. As I'm sure you know - it's the d*#n waiting that is the nerve-wracking part. (It's been four days and I'm flipping out - six weeks sounds interminable!) Anyway, I'll do my best not to belabor this whole point and take up Dr. HHH's forum too much - still, talking/discussing it has helped. I wish all of you the very best - you've added to my peace of mind thus far.

[monkeyflower]

Wow, you are way overreacting. While you wait for Dr. Handsfield's reply, slow down, and try to breathe. It sounds like you have a pimple, and nothing more.



In the meantime, this may help you feel better. First of all, even if you did have herpes (which is highly unlikely), it's sexually transmitted. This means your worn underwear is fine, your eating utensils are fine, etc. If you had herpes (which, again, I seriously doubt), you couldn't give it to anyone else in your family unless you were having sex with them.



You don't have to notify anyone of your herpes status unless you're actually having sex with them. You don't notify the health department, CDC, etc. And in this case, you especially don't need to notify ANYONE - you don't even know if you *have* herpes.



And there is absolutely nothing wrong with your morals. You're a human being, and sex is part of being human. What you did certainly isn't immoral, bad or wrong in any way, and it's certainly not worth beating yourself up over. The logic behind no condom = no intercourse seems to make sense on one level, but in reality it's the reason why abstinence pledges are such dismal failures. Sex is a mighty powerful urge, so next time just keep condoms with you. But in the meantime, no worries. The risks of contracting anything from any one episode of unprotected vaginal intercourse are really, really small. Try to relax.



Finally, I think it would be a good idea to see a sex therapist to discuss your concerns/anxiety/feelings about STDs and about your sexuality. A little self-acceptance goes a LONG way :-)

[heater]

Regarding Dr. HHH's reply, I apologize and didn't know only a limited number were allowed. I felt it inappropriate to keep asking questions on the previous thread (how many questions do you get for your donation? Seemed only fair to chip in a little more to support the site). I am seeking local attention, but am still anxious, and everyone here has helped out with good info. Regarding the "contagious" question of mine, in retrospect it sounds really stupid and naive - but since it seemed clear that contact was a means of transmission (for HSV-1 or -2) I wasn't sure to what extent. I certainly didn't THINK clothing, etc., would spread it, but my racing mind went haywire. I'll keep my eyes on posts but will lay low now and see what happens (btw, my "pimple" seems to have been just that - it's reduced already). Take care everyone. Heater

[heater]

Everybody - Last comment as I dwell on this and wait to see what occurs... Yes, I know I am overreacting, but I assume many of you have been (or are) in the same situation, and it's tough not to think of all the horrible things that can happen from one stupid mistake. Every little pain and ailment is magnified (like that pimple - which has all but gone away now - and my neck stiffness (probably from throwing baseball or working in the yard) or headache (probably sinus from the incoming rainstorm)) into deadly signs. My own doctor says the fact that I show no herpes lesions by now basically means I'm free of that hurdle (still, I recall the norm is 2-10 days). This forum has been helpful and encouraging, and if anyone's interested (other folks looking on and worrying about their own similar situation), I'll plan to come back and post my own results once I know them in a month or so. Thanks again.

[heater]

FYI to anyone reading - eighteen days post-incident and no signs of HSV2, so I'm feeling pretty fortunate there. Another month I'll check on my HIV - and hope for the best. Take care all.