Inflamed Meatus, Red Scrotum

[brokenarrow810]

Hi,


Had protected vaginal sex( 3 times in 5 days ) with my high school crush of unknown sexual past 4-5 months ago. The very next day, my whole groin region was very itchy. I initially thought it was just because I shaved few days before but the redness stayed. After a week or so, I noticed my scrotum was red, dry, shinny and a little leathery - I then thought it was a fungal infection and started clotrimazole which didn't change anything.

Went to see a GP who told me it was "nothing to worry about". Did STI Screenings, all came back negative. Did UTI/Urine Culture, came back negative. I then saw an Urologist who told me that he didn't see anything abnormal, the thing is - I knew something was off with my meatus, it was never red like that before.

I went to see another Urologist and he diagnosed me with Contact Dermatitis since the condom I used contained Nonoxynol-9. I was prescribed a cortisone cream to treat it along with a moisturizing cream saying the CID/CAD could last months, it helped but now the redness and inflammation is still there, 4 months later.

Same thing with my scrotum. Been experiencing red, dry, leathery skin on my scrotum for the last 3-4 weeks along with a stinging feeling(on/off)at the base of my penis where it meets with the body. Went to see another doctor who said the skin was dry and prescribed me another steroid cream.

Now, I've been reading a lot on the web and I'm scared it could be HSV2.

So to make a long story short: Red meatus with mild inflammation, Red dry leathery shinny scrotum + stinging/burning(hard to explain) feeling at the base lower right of penis shaft where it meets with the body(pubis). No sores or blisters. Just red irritated skin on scrotum that will get worse if I take a hot bath.

Tried: Doxycycline, Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Fluconazole, Clotrimazole, Amcinonide, Hydrocortisone, Miconazole.


Thank you for your time.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Correct, HSV-2 symptoms don't last so long.  But even if these symptoms had been brief, I would not have supsected herpes.  It never causes anything like "stinging" or a "tiny needles" feeling in the skin, without overt and easily visible blisters and sores.

Feel free to let me know what the dermatologist shows.  In the meantime, you can be certain your symptoms have nothing to do with your sexual experience a few months ago, except maybe anxiety about it.

[brokenarrow810]

Thanks for your input Dr. H - The main reason why I was scared it could be HSV2 is because of the stinging(like tiny needles poking through the skin) on the base of the penis lower right side that has been going for 3-4 weeks now.

From what I understand, HSV2 wouldn't last that long so it rules it out, am I correct?

I'll go see a Dermatologist asap.

Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry you remain so concerned about a sexual choice you apparently regret.  I'm confident that's the main problem here.  Your doctors are correct:  you don't have herpes or any other STD.  There are several reasons I'm sure, but the first is that no infection of any kind, and certainly not herpes or other STDs, can start to cause symptoms the next day after exposure.  Oonly a physical irritation, injury, or allergy (like contact dermatitis) can do that.  For herpes and other infections the minimum is 2-3 days.  Continuing symptoms despite all those antibiotics is further evidence you have no STD or other infection.

The appearances you describe for your genital area don't sound serious to me; in fact, I'm not convinced there is anything abnomral at all.  Your anxieties probably are making you more aware of minor changes in the appearance of the skin and meatus, and of normal body sensations that don't mean anything.  Or maybe your body is reacting to all those antibiotics you didn't need, e.g. with a fungal infection.

You might see a dermatolotist for one last medical opinion.  I hesitate to recommend yet another doctor visit when you have seen 3 doctors already.  However, a dermatologist may be the best bet to sort out the current situation.  Until you have been examined, don't use any antibiotics or any creams.

In the meantime, try not to worry.  There is no way you have herpes or any other infection from your fling with your HS sweetheart.  If you have a regular partner, you can and should continue your normal sexual practices.  You have nothing you can transmit.

I hope this has helped.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD