Rash--herpes fear

[CMVconcern]

About 4 days ago I noticed a red irritation on my penis, sort of in a line just beneath the rim of the head of my penis. There seemed to be a general redness with small red dots that were raised and irritated. They area didnt hurt on its own, per se, but there was discomfort when friction occured (like when riding a bike).
I should probably note that I first noticed the irritation after rather vigorous intercourse.
I've also noticed at the same time what appears to be folliculitis or jock itch on my inner thigh, definitely an irritation of the hair follices.

So basically my fear is of herpes. I have a regular doctor I go to but he's on vacation. I have taken a very high-res macro photo of the area and was hoping one of the experts could take a look and verify that this irritation is not herpetic, if at all possible. (I realize photos arent a stand-in for in-person exam.) I'm very OCD about this and just need a bit of peace of mind, I think it is most likely friction irritation or something fungal. There were no 'blisters' or anything that burst/scabbed over...and the area in general looks much better than it did 4 days ago.

Can friction/other irritation present as small, raised red bumps?

Here is the photo in question:
http://www.****.com/photos/63273528@N06/7335150500/

Any help greatly appreciated....

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Only recurrent herpes can clear up in "a few days" -- and even there, it's usually 7-10 days.  Initial herpes typically takes a couple of weeks to resolve.  So for both these reasons, this information is further evidence against herpes.

[CMVconcern]

(AND by now, Monday, the area is essentially painless.)

[CMVconcern]

Final, final follow-up (and I will abide by the no-posting-for-6-months rule as well, of course.)

If I first noticed this irritation on Friday, and by now (Monday) it's almost gone--or at least well on its way to being gone--that would also suggest it's not herpes, right? While I've read online that outbreaks can go from start to finish in 'only a few days,' it seems like the timeline here, from irritation to mostly-all-gone, would suggest something else...?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This still doesn't sound like herpes.

I would advise you to stop examining yourself so closely.  Minute variations in appearance, by verbal description, aren't going to change anything.

[CMVconcern]

r rather--and this is my final comment--it actually appears to be a series of very tiny bumps/dots, less than 1mm in diameter each, separated by maybe 3 mm. All on the same area of my penis beneath the rim of the glans..

[CMVconcern]

Thank you doctor. That seems like a sound policy (and from an OCD perspective being barred from posting photos of things is actually a relief ;).
I noticed the irritation following a rather prolonged/intense sexual encounter, but it's with someone I had been sleeping with for about 2 weeks at that point, so unfortunately I can't rule it out on that count.

I might have misspoke in describing it as a 'line,' but in general it seems like the irritation is directly under the rim of the head of the penis.

Definitely is not following any pattern of fluid-filled blisters/open sores...more like tiny red dots/bumps that were raised but never wept or released any fluid. The area was at its most irritated on the 2nd/3rd day and is now much 'better' overall.

Not sure if that clarifies or changes anything, I'm assuming not...

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome back to the forum.

Unfortunately, as a matter of policy we do not examine posted photos of skin lesions.  We are not dermatologists, and in our opinion this comes too close to practicing medicine from a distance, which we cannot do.  Online forums are not a substitute for direct, in-person medical care.

But from your description, herpes is not a likely explanation of your penile rash.  You don't say how soon after sexual exposure it appeared, but I have the impression it was very soon -- perhaps within a day (?).  If so, herpes is impossible.  The minimum period for herpes to appear is 2-3 days.  It also would not be likely to present in a "line" of bumps.  Finally, if it were herpes, within 1-2 days of onset the bumps would become fluid-filled blisters, and within a couple days later, open sores.  Finally, the initial outbreak of genital herpes is not usually so small in area.  Multiple lesions all over the penis would be more likely.

My best guess is that this is simply the result of physical irritation during sex.  If it clears up in the next couple of days, probably nothing need be done.  But if it persists or you otherwise remain concerned, visit a doctor or clinic to be certain.

Finally, please note that in order to prevent excessive posting by anxious persons, MedHelp allows a maximum of 2 every 6 months on each professionally moderated forum.  This being your second in a month, it will have to be your last one until next December.  (I don't want you to risk losing a posting fee on a question that would be deleted without reply.)

Best wishes--  HHH, MD