Is It Herpes? Symptoms and Diagnosis in Urology

Q: Is It Herpes? Symptoms and Diagnosis in Urology

Hello： 1. Infection, but it is uncertain which bacteria. 2. Testing may not necessarily yield results after 8 days. 3. If herpes blisters are present, can they appear in multiple areas? Why are there rashes and blisters (less common) on the feet, thighs, and g

Is this herpes?

Hello doctor, on Saturday night I noticed that the coronal sulcus was red and felt like there were small bumps.
I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been paying too much attention to it.
It feels a bit burning and sensitive but doesn’t itch.
For the past two days, I’ve been applying clotrimazole cream.
By Monday morning, the bumps were gone, leaving only wrinkled skin.
I visited a urologist and showed the doctor pictures.
The doctor said that herpes wouldn’t resolve that quickly and suggested it might be eczema.

I also had a massage on October 10th, and a few days later, I experienced sharp pain in my right thigh.
Additionally, I developed six blisters clustered together on the side of my right foot, and there were also a few light red spots on my right knee.
I consulted another dermatologist, who said that type 2 herpes wouldn’t appear in that area.
After taking medication for shingles, the lesions stopped appearing.
On October 18th, I took a test for herpes type 2 IgM, which came back negative.
I really regret the first massage where only manual stimulation was involved.
So I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
What could have caused the red bumps?
2.
Given that I have had symptoms like thigh pain and blisters on my foot for 8 days, can the herpes type 2 IgM antibodies be detected?
3.
Can herpes blisters spread to different areas? Why do I have rashes and blisters on my foot, thigh, and genital area? Thank you, doctor, for your answers.

Kai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/13

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1.
Infection, but it is uncertain which bacteria.
2.
Testing may not necessarily yield results after 8 days.
3.
If herpes blisters are present, can they appear in multiple areas? Why are there rashes and blisters (less common) on the feet, thighs, and genital area? A hospital physician may need to examine to provide an explanation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/11/13

More Info

When it comes to understanding symptoms related to urology, particularly those that may suggest herpes or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is essential to consider the clinical presentation, the timing of symptoms, and the results of diagnostic tests.

1. Understanding Symptoms: The symptoms you've described, including redness in the glans area, the appearance of small bumps, and a sensation of burning without itching, can be indicative of several conditions. While herpes is a common concern, other possibilities include dermatitis, folliculitis, or even an allergic reaction to a product or irritant. The rapid resolution of the bumps within a couple of days, as you mentioned, is not typical for herpes lesions, which usually take longer to heal.
2. Diagnostic Testing: You mentioned that you underwent testing for herpes type 2 (HSV-2) and received a negative result for IgM antibodies. It is important to note that IgM antibodies may not always be present in the early stages of an infection, and their absence does not definitively rule out herpes. However, the timing of your symptoms (8 days post-exposure) and the negative test result suggest that herpes may not be the cause of your symptoms.
3. Herpes and Its Behavior: Herpes lesions typically appear in clusters and can be painful, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. They do not usually resolve within a few days without treatment. Additionally, herpes lesions do not "move" from one area of the body to another; rather, they can recur in the same location. The presence of lesions in multiple areas (such as the thigh and genital region) could suggest a different dermatological issue or a secondary infection rather than herpes.

4. Other Considerations: Given your history of recent sexual activity and the symptoms you experienced, it is crucial to consider other STIs, such as syphilis or genital warts, which can also present with similar symptoms. A thorough examination by a healthcare provider, including a complete STI panel, would be advisable.
5. Follow-Up Care: If you continue to experience symptoms or if new lesions appear, it is essential to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests, such as a swab of any active lesions for viral culture or PCR testing, which can provide more definitive results regarding herpes or other infections.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may raise concerns about herpes, the rapid resolution of the lesions and the negative test results suggest that it may not be the primary issue. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, follow up on any persistent or new symptoms, and consider a comprehensive evaluation for STIs to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Remember, early detection and treatment of STIs can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

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