ITCHING AND BURNING OF THE HEAD OF PENIS

[majoann]

for first time , before few days, I feel itching in the head of penis with redness and tingling and flakes, then small blisters appear which ruptured.

I fear about herpes I want to know how can differentiate between herpes and fungal infection of male genitalia

????

thanks

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Herpetic lesions are usually vesicles that is, they are small bumps with fluid inside them. They usually rest upon a red base. Herpes may be associated with a burning pain in the area. The vesicles may pop and ulcerate. Fungal infections on the other hand , may present with a well demarcated redness in the area. They  may present with scales and may be itchy.

I suggest that you have this assessed by your dermatologist. A microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings in the area may be able to differentiate between a viral or fungal infection.
Refrain from unnecessarily touching the area and keep the area clean and dry. Avoid any sexual activity for the moment.

Are there similar skin conditions in other parts of the body?

Any pain in urination?

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,

Herpes usually presents with vescicles and may itch. Fungus is usually a urethral discharge.

Please see a doctor, and do not try to self-medicate yourself. Both herpes and fungus (indeed other genital infections too) need to be professioanlly evaluated and managed.

All the best.