Is A Recurring Red Spot On The Penis Shaft A Symptom Of Herpes?

Posted on Tue, 19 Jul 2016

Question: I have had a recurring red spot on my penis shaft for the past week. The first time it happened was about a month ago and went away after about three weeks or so. It had healed but about a week later almost exactly in the same spot another red spot occurred. This spot has been present now for about a week. The spot is not itchy, tingly, sore, or in any way painful. The spot is not raised or sunken, nor is it blistered or show any signs of bumps or pimple like spots. I am worried that it could be genital herpes, but everything i have red about genital herpes do not point to that being the case. Often times it appears that the spot becomes flaky, but at the same time is not dry or itchy in anyway. I have been having serious anxiety over it and am afraid it could be herpes.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly post the photo of the lesion and answer few questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I read history you provided. There is erythematous macular lesion on the shaft of penis which is not itchy or painful. There is no burning. It is recurring lesion. Still, I would like to have answers of few questions...

- are you married?
- are you sexually active?
- do you have multiple partners?
- when did you do sex before the development of the lesion?
- how many times the relapses you faced?
- does the lesion remain on same site or changes the site?
- similar or different skin lesion elsewhere?
- do you take any medicine for other disease?
- any habit of alcohol or tobacco?
- family history of similar or other disease?

I would like to have answers of above queries before I conclude. And please post the few photos of site affected.

Thanks..

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (4 hours later)

The last time i had sex was a bit over a month and a half ago. The lesion had seemed to had gone away and so I masturbated and a few days later it had returned. The spot is almost exactly where the first spot was. This is the second time this spot has occurred on my penis shaft. I had slowed my alcohol consumption down to only a few beers a week, but in fact after a heavy few days of drinking I had also noticed the spots return. My family does not have a history of a lot of serious disease, but I do have decently sensitive skin, not just on my penis but on my body. I have not noticed any other skin lesions elsewhere on my body. I have a picture of the first lesion i had in my profile, but the lesion i have now is starting to fade a bit and a camera cannot really pick up on the detail of this spot.

If it were herpes wouldn't the red spot have turned into blisters or an ulcer by this point. Would i also be feeling itchy, tingling or pain at this point as well, since it has been a week.

I also work outside in the heat as well, and wear a bit tighter pants and tighter underwear

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Solitary annular lichen planus most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks to moderator for forwarding the photo of the lesion.

After reading the history and seeing the photo I could conclude that most probably you may be having a skin condition called annular lichen planus. As it is a single lesion,it may be labeled as solitary annular lichen planus.

Kindly remove the fear of herpes progenitalis from your mind. It is not herpes progenitalis.

Exact cause of lichen planus is unknown. It may be autoimmune condition. The lesion may or may not be itchy. Generally on genitals, lichen planus remains asymptotic. The lesion of lichen planus on shaft of the penis occurs in annular form and may be violaceous with rough surface.

It is a benign condition and may heal without treatment in few weeks. And may recure without known cause. There is no need to worry,it it recurs. If you need to take treatment, you may apply either mild form of steroid cream like mometasone cream or immunomodulator like tacrolimus ointment.

However,you consult the dermatologist whenever it recurs,so that perfect diagnosis may be done.

I hope this would satisfy you.

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (5 hours later)

I have been thinking and remembered that on the lower part of my back i have had a few spot of similar shape, color and feel. Is lichen planus still possible if i have had a few similar spots in the past? They lasted about the same amount of time as the first lesion lasted on my penis and left a faint scare as well. Is it still possible to be lichen planus?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lichen planus

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Hope your fear would have gone.

You are right. The lesions you developed on back in past might be lichen planus lesions. The lesions may heal leaving mild pigmentation.

If new lesions occur, contact me on this platform of HCM. I would definitely help you.

Wishing you healthy life.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (13 minutes later)

Thank you very much for your help, you have calmed my nerves about this whole situation. I really thank you for your time and responding to my question.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Be healthy and happy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for satisfaction with my answer...

I would like to help you regarding your skin problem...

Wishing you healthy and happy life...

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad