"just a rash", or herpes?? - Herpes Message Board

GRZ · 08-26-2005, 04:20 PM

Hi guys,

A little concerned. A few days ago I noticed I had a rash on my thigh, causing some itchiness. Didn't worry much about it until I noticed a couple days after that that there was some redness/irritation on the crown of the penis. I have been vacationing, swimming a lot, and wearing wet/damp swim trunks afterwards.

Went to a clinic today - the nurse practitioner said the rash on my leg
"was definitely not herpes" and that the rash on the penis "does not look like herpes at all." In other words it is not the typical blistering, etc.

Also, the last sexual contact was five or six weeks ago - so is this outside the window for getting symptoms (if I were to have contracted it with that partner). No fever or other "first time" HSV type symptoms.

The NP prescribed an antifungal/cortisone cream. Should I be concerned about herpes? I can't help but feel a little worried. Is it just a rash like balanitis or jock itch or something...or should I be concerned?

Thoughts?

GRZ · 08-26-2005, 10:48 PM

By the way, I started using the cream he prescribed and it seems to have definitely reduced the irritation on the penis. Hopefully this is a good sign that it is not Herpes.

backpacker · 08-27-2005, 09:04 AM

Herpes symptoms vary so much that, even if we could see the rash, we couldn't tell. You should know, however, that herpes can lay dormant for years, even decades, before showing symptoms. Do you know that the person you recently had sex with has herpes? Why are you concerned about it?

If the medication your dr prescribed works, you are probably okay. Creams and ointments tend to make herpes worse.

GRZ · 08-27-2005, 10:28 AM

No, I have no knowledge that the recent sex partner was carrying herpes. And we used protection (which I know doesn't prevent herpes, but probably makes it a little harder to get?). I worry about herpes just because I have been somewhat promiscuous/active over the last 2-3 years. And it seems like there is no way of knowing for sure that you DON'T have it.

Anway, I woke up this morning and the rash is practically gone after just one day of using the medication.

backpacker · 08-28-2005, 10:47 AM

That sounds good. As an extra precaution, wash your groin area with soap and water after sex, as soon as you politely can.