Do I have an STD?

[CAR31]

29 days ago I shaved base of penis, scrotum, and around anus.Later that night I had protected sex with a stranger.1.5hrs after I returned home and took another shower.During which I noticed the texture on my scrotum had changed. Later it turned slightly red. Can only really be seen when the skin is contracted.
Day 2 Noticed a warming/tingling sensation at the base of my penis, inner thigh, behind my scrotum, and around my anus. Intensity grew for 2 weeks. Occasionally I will notice a slight pain in my lower right abdomen and tingling in my armpits. The first couple of days I woke up in cold sweats and was very tired.
Day 5 I noticed 3 very small bumps on the foreskin of my penis. They did not hurt and were virtually invisible until the skin is stretched. Look like a blister.
Day 6 I visited the ER. The doctor told me I had dermatitis and was not worried about the bumps. He prescribed a Clotrimazole & Betamethasone cream. Used that for 8 days with no change.
Day 9 Visited clinic for urine test & exam. The PA stated the bumps were cysts and that I had probably had them for years. I’ve since concluded this is false.
Day 21 Visited a dermatologist. He was not interested in consulting me. He couldn’t see the redness on my scrotum. Prescribed Ketoconazole Cream anyway. He did not notice the bumps until I showed him. He said they were warts and froze them. I’ve had warts on my feet & hands in the past. The RN implied this was not a new infection and related to previous warts?
Day 24: Not confident in the previous dermatologist conclusion I visited a different one, more willing to examine me. Said they did not see anything of concern and suggested I stop using the cream because it could cause more irritation. Problem is the bumps had already been treated and they could not get a good look at them.My warming sensation has improved greatly but not gone away.
Where did these bumps come from? I’ve read it takes weeks for warts to appear not 5 days. What is my next step?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  Let's start with what the problems you describe are not. They are not STD and they are not likely to be dangerous to you.  That's the good news.  They are also unlikely to be warts/HPV since, as you point out warts can typically take weeks to appear.  

I'm sorry that you've had a difficult time engaging the interest of dermatologist.  I totally agree with your plan to seek a second opinion after seeing the 1rst one.  The fact that the second one did not immediately see something abnormal when he examine you is likewise a good sign that something "bad" is not going on.

I don't know if you have shaved before or not.  One possibility is that if you have not shaved in the past. what you saw may have been the normal texture of the scrotum which you had not noticed before.  There are many cyst like bumps which are normally present on the scrotum but not noticed.  Alternatively, shaving can lead to formation of cyst-like lesions in the area of hair follicles.  

Obviously, I cannot do better than the several trained health care providers who have had the chance to directly observe you but perhaps my thoughts will be some help.  Whatever is there, it sounds as though they are not bothering you and that the best course may be just to leave them be and not worry unless they somehow change.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This really does not sound like an STD of any sort.  I suggest that you see a dermatologist.  I oubt that a urologist will be very helpful.  EWH

[CAR31]

One additional comment. I forgot to mention that the bumps, if rubbed can have a tingling sensation later on. Usually takes 15-60 minutes. Also a red rash developed on my left inner thigh. It had a small opening. Kind of like if you scrap your skin. The rash got a lot better in about 4 days but is sometimes still painful.

[CAR31]

Thanks for you help once again.

Just wanted to give you an update. The bumps have not changed. The burning/tingling around my anus is still about the same. My inner thighs seem to be more of a pinching feeling way down deep in my inner thigh where it meets the pelvic area. Kind of like a pulled groin. My hips seem to hurt some days. About 1.5 years ago I fell on my left hip. This one seems the worst. I also notice some abdomen pain. Just above my belt line and to the right of my belly button. Like before my appendix was removed.

I visited a general Dr. because I needed one in the area. He seemed to think it was nerve damage and proscribed 100 MG of Gabapentin. This doesn't seem to help.

I also visited a psychologist for this and a couple other things going on in my life. She felt my pains were physical and not mentally related. She asked that I visit an Urologist to make sure I don't have a bladder infection.

Any thoughts on my situation?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, I would not change my approach.  I think simply watching them is a good idea.  EWH

[CAR31]

Dr. Hook,
Thank you for your response! I couldn't add every detail due to the 2000 character limit? To answer your question, yes I have shaved the exact same area for 1.5 years now with no problems.

The bumps I'm referring to are located on the foreskin of the penis. Unless this changes your prognosis, I'll take your advice and continue to monitor them. I'm new to the area, so I'll probably find a new general practice Dr. and schedule a check up in a couple weeks.

Thanks