Red rash on penis head!

[DWhyte]

Dear Doctor,

My name is DH. I am a 22 year old virgin male, who has some questions regarding genital herpes. On Saturday, January 15, 2011, I masturbated with the help of Aveeno lotion, for about 25 – 30 minutes. Then, on Sunday night, while bathing, I pulled back my foreskin and noticed a red rash on my penis head mainly to the right side. After some frantic research about rashes on penises, I came across an image on the internet that resembles how my penis looks. (Here is the link - http://en.allexperts.com/q/Venereal-Diseases-2106/2010/12/spots-penis-head.htm, the image is named penis head 1.) Subsequently, today I developed a slight flu and fever coupled with a minor case of diarrhea. Further, my penis head does not burn, itch or discharge any fluids. Lastly, the redness as of today, Monday, January 17, 2011, has somewhat dissipated. However, all these events have led me to believe that this may be a case of genital herpes.

So my questions are doctor:

1. What do you suppose the red rash is?
2. Or, could this be a case of lichen nitidus, which my research indicates to be the cause?

But first, some background information:

1. I am a virgin. My only sexual encounters have been masturbation.
2. I have had oral herpes since about the age of 8. (A recent test indicated I have both HSV-1 & HSV-2, both I assume orally, for I have never had sex.)
3. Since 2009, after a trip to Florida, my privates and sometimes my genitals have been itching. It seems to be a case of eczema, which I have, or jock itch.
4. I have very dry skin.
5. I think I have had a similar smaller rash like this before.

Thank you for your time.

-DH

[green9788]

I need help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
No it does not look like herpes which presents as blisters which scab over. From the symptoms it can be due to dermatitis and friction rub or eczema. Follow the treatment and it should help you.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[DWhyte]

Hello,
Thanks for both an informative and timely response. So the symptoms could be as a result of herpes, even though I have never had sex?

Or, could it be due to a friction rub or eczema rash due to usage of body lotion during masturbation?

Lastly, the penis head is burning a little bit as of today, January 24, 2011.

However, some more information. At work, nearly throughout the day, I have had a box on my lap with some documents. I have been going through the boxes looking for various documents. Could the itch or slight rash be a result of the box?
Because when it is on my lap, my penis itches.

Thank you for your time.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms you have mentioned, it does not sound like herpes. It can be due to friction rub or eczema rash due to usage of body lotion during masturbation. Herpes also presents with red itchy blisters which scab over. Herpes simplex is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a lesion or the body fluid of an infected individual.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Also wear cotton clothes and apply some moisturizers.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.