symptoms, but HSV 1 & 2 igg negative x2

[ibconfused99]

Hello, I am a mid-30's male who noticed a reddish/purplish rash on the right glans and shaft of the penis in Nov. last year after being with my girlfriend for about 2 months.  The doctor said it did not look like herpes.  It was never a cluster of bumps, but did eventually ulcerate and then heal up after about 10 days.  I thought it might be trauma, possibly from her IUD, but did get HIV and HSV I/II tested at that time ( about 2-3 weeks after ).  All was negative.  In any case, this recurred in the exact same spot with itchiness ( no pain ) and a rash in May though not as severe.  After an additional recurrence in July, I was retested in August ( 9 mos. after 1st problem ) and had the focus HSV test for I & II...again both negative. I called the lab, but they would not provide exact numbers to me.  I recently saw the doctor again...professor with extensive STD experience...with another recurrence (4th) - sudden itchiness and reddish rash in the same spot...exact same sharp borders of redness, but no bumps or pustules.  After a week, it sort of dried up with flaky white skin, then went away.  He said that without an ulceration or bumps there was nothing to send for PCR - and that this was just NOT herpes and could be an atopic reaction or dermatitis of some sort.  I just wanted to see what you thought of this...I'm glad that I've tested HSV I & II negative twice now, but the symptoms just sound so c/w HSV and nothing else really?  It's very hard to proceed with life, relationships etc. without a clear diagnosis.  Thanks  -  should I have my immune system tested ( IgG or IgG subclasses to make sure it's normal...i.e. that I can make HSV antibodies?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Preliminary response, based solely on the title you selected for this thread, before reading the question itself:  Almost certainly symptoms plus the negative tests mean you don't have herpes and something else is the cause of your symptoms.

Now I have the question.  Guess what?  You are wrong that your symptoms "sound so consistent with HSV and nothing else really".  They do not sound to me like herpes at all.  With symptoms do not suggest herpes, plus the opinion of 2 doctors that your problem doesn't look like herpes, plus the negative blood tests, you can be 100% certain you do not have it.  You do not need testing of your immune function.

You seem to be emotionally reacting to the fact that the rash involves your penis.  Just because something involves the genitals doesn't make it herpes or other STD; most of the hundreds of causes of skin rash anywhere on the body can sometimes involve the penis.  This forum does not speculate about causes of symptoms other than STD, but whatever is going on doesn't sound serious.

If you remain concerned, seeing a dermatologist seems a logical step.  But please put aside your concern about herpes.  No chance.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[ibconfused99]

Thanks very much.