Do you think I can eliminate Herpes and what to do next?

[bobbyb434]

About 5  Years ago I used to get a single small red spot ( The size of the head of a pin - No blister ) and a burning sensation on the underside of my penis. It would last a few days and disappear for a few months and then return. Very minor. No problem.

Then one day about 3 ½ years ago, out of the blue, I started to feel sensitivity in the genital area. Uncomfortable to have clothes touch the genitals. No other visible symptoms.

A few months later I got a large bright red area on the side of my penis. It didn't hurt and went away in a few days. Still experiencing the sensitivity which would get worse for a few weeks/months and then subside a little and then return.

About a year later the head of my penis got bright red. No blisters or sores but that mostly went away but left a pinkish hue which is still there to this day.

I have seen two urologists and a dermatologist with no one having a clue to what is wrong.

The first urologist said I might have Molluscum Contagiosum but wasn't sure and to come back should I have any visible symptoms.

The second urologist I saw said I didn't have Molluscum Contagiosum, that it was just sebaceous glands. I agree with that as I had the pronounced hair follicle since I was 12 years old. He suggested I see a dermatologist.

I had a herpes antibody test for both type one and type two... both came back negative.

Do you think I can eliminate herpes? And what do you think would be my best course of action?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You came here for reassurance that you don't have herpes.  I gave it.  Accept it or not, but your sarcasm about the psychological issue is not welcome.  I did not say your symptoms are not real, only that herpes isn't the cause and that most people don't keep believing things that are not supported by the evidence.  I suggested that counseling might be helpful out of compassion, not criticism.  Keep up that attitude and the entire thread will be deleted without further comment.

[bobbyb434]

I'd love to eliminate herpes. I hope that is the case. It's the last thing in the world I would want.

But I can find no explanation for the "real" symptoms ( recurring sores, redness, skin sensivity, blisters after sex, etc.) that I'm having.

If your only advise is "it's in my head", and can't even suggest a positive course of action that I might take then so be it. You obviously have made up your mind somehow about me and my problem and are determined to be right at any cost.  

OK then. I don't have herpes, I'm obviously mentally unbalanced with a psychological disorder. There is no reasonable course of action except to see a psychoanalyst. And my symptoms are all imaginary.

Thanks doc.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You already had accurate replies on the herpes community forum, including the definitive opinion of gracefromHPP, who is highly expert in genital herpes issues.  I agree with what she said:  genital herpes simply does not cause the symptoms you describe.  And if 2 dermatologists and a urologist can't tell what is wrong, certainly no distant online expert can do so.  That they don't think it's herpes is powerful evidence, and the negative blood tests further prove it.

From all you say, it seems clear your penile skin is normal.  Almost certainly there is nothing physically wrong.  Therefore, the important question is not whether you "can eliminate herpes".  Of course you can, and you didn't need my opinion to do that.  The important question here is why you continue to be convinced herpes is a possiblity.  It is not normal for an idea to remain active when the objective proof is so strongly against it.  If you continue to obsess on that idea, you should consider counseling to address the reasons.  

Best wishes--  HHH, MD