Im not sure how since I have had no sexual contact but is it at all possible to contract herpes through an alternate method. A month ago i experienced painful open sores in a clsuter on my scrotum, these healed up on their own over time without scabbing but came back last week. A few days ago i woke up and the red dots had spread to my shaft along with some wierd white heads which seem to be almost like pimples but do not pop. The burning is intense and after some pictures it looked like i could have herpes. IS this possible. I do not have any other symptoms. IF anyone could provide me with some info id appreciate it if this is herpes or could be something else.

have you ever had oral sex performed on you? If so, it is possible to catch it that way....or even if you just had genital skin to skin contact with someone...no penetration or actual sex is needed to contract herpes. Do you get coldsores? It is supposedly possible to spread your herpes (coldsores) to your genitals if you touch your coldsore and immediately touch your genitals. I think it is rare, but possible. You should definately see a doctor, and make sure to do it immediately after symptoms appear...herpes swab tests can show a false negative if tested longer than 48 hours after the appearance of symptoms. You could also get a blood test for herpes, although a blood test would not show where the infection is actually located. If it came up type 1 positive, it wouldn't really mean that you have it genitally, you could just have it orally (like 80% of the population does). If it came up type 2 positive, then it is most likely located genitally. Type 2 orally is rare, it sticks mostly to genitals, but type 1 is very common in both locations. Definately see your doctor...you never know, it may just be jock itch or something like that, but only a doctor can test it and know for sure. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Well I have not had oral sexed performed on me so that can be ruled out, I also can not think of any contact I have had with anyone concerning my genitals. I dont get cold sores so that would rule that out, im just nervous because im displaying some signs of herpes, I dont see how it could be possible but im going to the doctor anyways. Has anyone heard of conditions like these before related to a bacterial infection or something else. I believe the problems with my scrotum started because of a rash through continuous friciton, its been a montha nd hasnt gone away, from what I understand with herpes this wouldnt fit with the definition of the condition. My shaft just seems to have some sort of skin thing going on where im getting painful red bumps like pimples, along with a few white heads, one of which i found oozing the night before. IS this the exact definition of herpes?

Well, herpes symptoms present VERY differently in different people...ranging from bumps that burst clear liquid and then ulcerate, to minor bumps that look like razor burn, to papercut looking cuts, to just red, irritated skin, to even absolutely no symptoms ever. Since you have never had any sexual contact, I bet what you have is probably maybe a fungal infection, or maybe foliculitis. It's good your seeing your doctor...keep us updated on how everything goes. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif