A related discussion,
sores on shaft was started.
You hit the nail on the head -- I really just need to go get checked out. I guess I am still curious whether Herpes lesions can persist for 3 weeks (i.e. more than 7-10 days, as you've otherwise said in this forum a number of times).
Again, thank you sincerely for your wisdom and your considerate replies to everyone on this forum. While I agree that this cannot be a replacement of in-person medical diagnostics, I have learned a lot from reading your comments here, and believe many others have too. Best wishes.
I always avoid trying to make specific diagnoses by online description, even "best guess". And I absolutely will never recommend any kind of home-treatment or self-treatment when the diagnosis is unknown.
Syphilis is rare in heterosexuals (including sex workers) in most of the US. For practical purposes, it is limited to gay men and their partners. A pimple-like lesion does not suggest syphilis, but it is possible. Herpes may be a better bet.
Bottom line: Do not attempt to come to any certain diagnosis online, whether in this forum or elsewhere. See a health care provider.
HHH, MD
Herpes sometimes presents with only 1-2 lesions that can be painless and herpes persist for as long as 3 weeks, especially with the initial outbreak. Chancres just gradually fill in with fresh, normal skin. Syphilis often causes bilateral lymph node swelling. Pimples are common on the penis.
None of which modifies the need for you to be examined. Do it right away; the longer you wait, the harder it will be for your provider to make an accurate diagnosis. I will respond to further questions after you have seen your provider, not before.
HHH, MD
Also, to generalize the question so as to benefit all readers, the things I haven't been able to figure out (from reading extensively here and on other sites) are:
1. do herpes lesions ever occur as a single (or only two) lesion and can they last much longer than 10 days (e.g. 3 weeks)?
2. do herpes lesions ever NOT itch, tingle, burn, etc.?
3. how common is bilateral swelling in groin area lymph nodes (symptom other than chancre) when syphilis is contracted?
4. how do syphilis cancres heal (I have found NOTHING about this) -- I mean what does the process entail and look like? And can a second chancre suddenly appear?
5. how common are folliculitis (and/or pimples) on the penis shaft?
I hope these questions might better benefit all readers than my initial question (and perhaps save you some questions too).
Best regards.
I meant to also say that there had been no itching, burning, or any kind of symptoms regarding urination. Also, when I mention "hence I suspect it is not herpes" it is because of the duration (more than two weeks) of the lesion, because it started as simple lesion and only recently became a second, and because I've never had a herpes outbreak before. Of course I am only basing my conclusion on assumptions made from things I've read, so perhaps I should have titled this "syphilis, folliculitis, HERPES, or other? Thanks again, and sorry to have been so loqucious.
Yes, certainly (though I'm not in a third world country). I am certainly aware of the risks I have taken. I have sought out psycological counseling since I am cognizant of my foolish behaviors, just not fully aware of why I did them. Best wishes.
I would suggest consistent protected sex the rest of the time you are over there in the third world country or the pimples might be the least of your worries.