HSV-1 or Jock Itch?

[aLittleConcerned22]

In mid-October of 2007 I had sex with a female partner. Two weeks ago, one of my friends who had been seeing this girl told me that she confessed to him that she has HSV-1 genitally which she got a year prior from receiving oral sex. I began to think back to that night and remembered that approximately 4 days after we had intercourse I noticed a red painful rash in my left groin. I had the rash examined and the doctor said it was no big deal, just put some hydrocortizone cream on it and it will go away. However, after what I have been reading, I am concerned it may be genital HSV-1. Now in late-April, six months after our one night stand, the rash is still visible in my groin but has faded to a light purple. It is about 1/4 inch in width and about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches in lenght, starting on the skin under the scrotum and extended slightly down my left thigh. I do play sports and lift weights and am constantly wearing under armour tights so I am hopeful that the rash is just a long standing jock itch. Also from what I have read, it seems that if it was herpes there would have been blisters and it would have healed over by now. I did wear a condom that night, and if she is telling the truth, she was on medication for herpes at the time we had sex. Also I have read it is more difficult to transfer HSV-1 from genital to genital. However, I am skeptical on the matter and wanted to know what is the likelihood that this was in fact a genital HSV-1 outbreak? Any insight on the matter would be greatly appreciated and could help ease my anxiety. Thank you.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Herpes usually presents with a cluster of vesicles or bumps and they present with a red base. In your case, the vesicles are not present.This may strengthen an initial differential of a fungal infection. You have noted that the rash seems to be aggravated by certain activities. The sweating associated with the activities may be irritating the skin.

I suggest that you have this assessed by a dermatologist. You may need topical corticosteroids for this. Also, always keep the body clean and dry. Fungal infections may be contagious and they may spread to other parts of the body. Do not share towel and wash thoroughly after using gym equipments or vigorous exercises.

[aLittleConcerned22]

No, I have not had any vesicles or bumps with a clear fluid. All I have is a rash that is itch but only after I work out or do some sort of physical activity. Yes, this has been present for 6 months now and has faded from a bright red to a very light purple. And no, there is no weeping. Also there was no repeated contact, we only had sex once.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Based on your description of the rash, it does not sound like a herpes infection. Herpes appears with vesicles or bumps that contain a clear fluid. They also occur in clusters and they have a reddish base. Is this similar to what you have?

HSV type 1 may affect the genitals with direct contact but not all persons exposed to the virus will acquire it. There are several factors involved like the person's immune response and the frequency of the contact which may affect viral load. Repeated contact may increase the chance of acquiring the infection.

I suggest that you have this evaluated by your physician. This has been present for months now is this correct?

Is the rash itchy ? Any weeping or excoriations?