Fungal Infection in Groin Area?

[slde]

Hello,

First of all thank you for reading my question.

I am a 35 yr old male, and I have had herpes for more than 10 years.  I have a steady girlfriend, but 5 months ago had a brief encouter with a friend and received oral sex and protected sex.  I had a sore throat after that and my throat area was mildly swolen for one month. Afterwards I have developed some rash around the genital area 3 times, each lasting for about 3/4 weeks and goes away.  First time it appeared on the tip of my penis about 5mm diameter.  It started out with a faint red color and then became bright red.  Later it became moist and peeled.  After 3/4 weeks it slowly went away.  Doctor said it was nothing but I have never seen it before.  Tested for all STDs maybe 6 weeks after the encounter and negative.  Few weeks later another patch of red rash came at the base of the penis shaft.  Again similar symptons and went away in a 3/4 weeks.  Saw dermatologist this time and he suspect it is herpes.  But I tell him that historically my herpes have always come in the form or individual blisters and goes away within 1 week.  I did not do any test.  Recently another red patch came up around my pubic hair.  This time it's much larger around the size of a quarter.  It became quite moist and smelly.  Now it's going away after about 3/4 weeks.  Saw another dermatologist and he also suspects herpes but culture was negative (maybe i did it too late).  Now testing for STDs again but test not back yet.

Could this be a fungal skin infection other than STD?  Could it be other STDs since it's all happening in the genital area?  I have not had sex with my girlfriend for months now since I am afraid I might pass it to her.  Does this sound like something contagious?  Thanks so much for your help!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This does not sound anything like an STD.  The locations (penis, pubic hair, etc.) do not sound like fungus either.  I think that irritation (and anxiety/guilt) are much more likely.  I have no idea why the dermatologist thought ti was herpes.  I suggest the following:

1.  No rubbing or close inspection.
2.  Apply 1% hydrocortisone (over-the-counter) twice daily.
3.  See a skin doctor 10 days later.
4.  Besides medical consultation, consider getting the counseling you may need to get on with your life.  There is no reason i can see for you to avoid sex indefinitely, as it sounds as though you've been doing.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[slde]

Thank you so much Dr. Rockoff.  But what can it be?  Do many skin irritation last for 4 weeks in the groin area?  Can I be quite certain that I caught it from my encounter few months ago since the timing is exactly after that encounter?  And do you think it is contagious?  Thanks.