Small white bumps on penis shaft

[canada96]

Hi there,
About 5 weeks ago, I noticed some small white bumps growing around the base of the shaft of my penis.  I didn't think much of it at first, but after I didn't notice any improvements, I went in to see my GP.  This was after probably 3 or 4 weeks of these bumps being present.  He took a look at them and almost immediately diagnosed them visually as Genital Herpes, saying it was HSVII. He took blood to run for a battery of STD's including HSV, as well as swabs of the lesions though he cautioned that because the lesions are not releasing any fluid and are not open, the results may be inconclusive. I am currently awaiting the results of these tests. My doc prescribed me Valtrex 3 times daily as well as Zovirax topical cream.  I was very distraught by my doctor's diagnosis, however I have had my doubts about it.  I have done much research into this topic and I don't seem to exhibit any of the classical symptoms of a Herpes outbreak.  Other than having small white bumps, I don't show anything else.  That is, the bumps have not changed over time, many weeks now, they have not "cut open" or shown the paper cut display that I've read about.  Also, I have not seen these lesions blister, and have no pain during urination or other pain whatsoever, though these bumps have exhibited some itchiness.

The strange thing I have noticed about these bumps is that they appear to look different at different points in the day.  When I wake up and for the better part of the morning and early afternoon, the bumps appear to be smaller, less prominent and there appears to be fewer of them (although it may just be that they are too small and not visible to the naked eye).  In the late afternoon and into the evening and night however, the bumps appear to be larger and greater in number.  It was this time of the day that I saw my GP when he diagnosed me.  I posted on the Herpes Community on MedHelp and got a response saying that this probably isn't Herpes as they do not behave like this and would not persist for nearly 5 or 6 weeks now without changing, blistering, etc.

Is this sort of activity characteristic of another disease?  I think its also worth noting that the bumps will sometimes have a "Shiny" appearance to them.  Also, they appear to localize themselves around the base of the penis, where pubic hair normally grows.  I do regularily shave this area, though I have not done so since my "outbreak" began. Could this be a result of shaving?
I have continued to take the Valtrex pills, though I have stopped using the Zovirax cream.  I am also in the prcoess of getting a referral to a dermatologist, though I live in Canada and it can be very difficult to do so in a timely manner.

Any help you could provide me in this manner would be really appreciated.
Thanks a lot

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Some redness and erythema is normal to find around the molluscum contagiosum lesions once cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen is done. This redness should go away in a couple of days. You can apply some calamine lotion after consulting your doctor.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[canada96]

I went for an examination with a dermatologist who, after a really quick look, was able to diagnose these bumps as Molluscum contagiosum.  She sprayed them with a freezing agent (Liquid Nitrogen? i think) and told me they would scab over and heal withing 10 - 14 days.  My question though is, surrounding all of the lesions, as well as anywhere the doctor sprayed, appears darkened in colour, what looks like a bruise.  These areas are also really tender to the touch.  I am not very concerned by this as I am pleased to hear the diagnosis and that it was able to be treated.  However, i just wanted to ensure that this sort of reaction to the freezing is normal, and also if there is a timeline as to how long it will take for this "bruising" to clear up.

Thanks for the help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be irritated hair follicles form shaving and thus causing folliculitis, cysts or molluscum contagious. Herpes presents as painful itchy blisters which scab over. So it is unlikely. All the three other conditions are benign and harmless.

Molluscum rash initially appears as smooth, pearly to flesh-colored, dome-shaped papules. With time, the center becomes soft and indented (umbilicated) with a white curdlike core. This core may be squeezed out easily.
I suggest you to get an examination done by a dermatologist.
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.