Question about symptoms

[worriedguy31]

Hi,

I'm an uncircumsized 31 yr old male and have recently had the following symptoms:
* moderately painful red penis head
* small dark coloured lump just inside the tip of my penis (just inside and at the corner there) - doesn't look like any of the photos of genital warts I've seen
* sore scrotum, getting quite red as well
* a few discolored (darkened) lines of ~1.5cm in length on the underside of my penis and at the base
* no discomfort in urinating, no discharge
The first of these conditions preceded all the others, which appeared a few days later after beginning treatment with an antifungal cream (suggested by my doctor who said it was probably a yeast infection) and (stupidly?) the use of an antibacterial wash, which I just happened to have and applied (though perhaps shouldn't have) to my penis, scrotum etc. I had already been using the antibacterial wash for about 3 weeks leading up to the initial problem.
My questions are:
* do these symptoms sound as though they are likely to be related to a yeast infection (I'm most worried about the small dark coloured lump and discolored lines)
* could the use of an antibacterial soap have contributed to any of the above?
* if one were to contract herpes following protected sex with an infected individual, would these symptoms be possible? (if they were to have occurred three weeks after the event) - my doctor said that having had protected sex one would only likely exhibit herpes symptoms on exposed skin areas which would preclude the penile symptoms initially observed (though not those on the scrotum or at the base observed since).
I'm concerned though because the symptoms did arise within the 2-20 days typical of herpes and I've never had any problems down there before.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

[worriedguy31]

Yep, sorry to try your patience. I realise they are/were neurotic, hypocondriatic (if there is such a word), superfluous etc. Was just after a bit more info to put my mind well and truely at ease. You've certainly assisted greatly in that. Thanks again!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your questions are superfluous, because there simply is no plausible risk you acquired herpes.  Trust me on that.

Eleven weeks?  Yes, but not typical.  Breast contact?  No way.  Changed risk by showering after sex?  No data available, but doesn't seem likely it would reduce risk.  Base to tip by next sex?  Doubtful.  Too convoluted, not enough virus.  Herpes doesn't infect anybody by just being applied to the skin.  It has to be "massaged" or "worked" into the skin.  Antifungal creams have no effect.

I won't have any further comments.

[worriedguy31]

Thanks Dr. Handsfield.

A couple followup questions if you don't mind -

* is it possible that the first signs of a herpes infection may be observed >11 weeks following infection?
* can it be transmitted through unprotected skin-skin contact between the penis and breasts, assuming skin was visibly intact?
* does the risk of infection decrease if both parties shower before & after intercourse?
* could it be transmitted from the base of the penis to the head through subsequent unprotected sex with a *clean* individual and have symptoms appear all within a 2.5-3wk period?
* would you expect the symptoms of herpes to respond at all to antifungal creams?

Sincere thanks for the assistance and advice you provide on this site. It's greatly appreciated.

Steve

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your doc is correct about herpes after condom-protected sex; it would only appear above the condom coverage area.  In any case, your symptoms don't sound at all like herpes anyway.  I don't know whether yeast or other cutaneous infection might be the cause of your symptoms, but for sure no STD causes the sort of problems you describe.  Definitely not herpes.  I don't speculate about specific causes other than STD; you need to get personal health care for that.

Good luck--  HHH, MD