What Causes Blisters On Buttocks, Cheeks And Penis?

Posted on Thu, 3 Dec 2015

Question: My boyfriend has blisters between his buttocks cheeks, and on his penis. This blisters on his buttocks started first, then it spread around to his penis and genital area. Now, he itches from head to toe, with very tiny red dots. Some are filled with clear liquid. The itching is very intense, keeping him up at night. He has no other symptoms, no fever, vomiting or headaches. Just red blistery dots (some are blistery, some are not. He also itches in areas where he doesn't have ANY red dots or blisters) on his hands and feet, some on his arms and stomach. Dermatitis herpetiformis? MRSA? He has had this since September. He is in prison, and needless to say, they don't get good medical care. He has been to the nurse and PA there, but has not been properly diagnosed. They told him it was a herpes outbreak (he does have this, but never a breakout like this!) and put him on acyclovir 400 mg for 15 days and nothing got better. Help!!

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome to HCM
Thanks for posting your query
Herpes simplex infection is confined to the affected area. Herpes zoster involves a nerve course and not generalized. Both are self limiting and unlikely to persist for more than a month unless there is obvious immune deficiency.
As you rightly pointed out Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a possibility as it is associated with itching and generalized. Tablet Dapsone and a gluten free diet will help him. But he has to be examined by a Dermatologist.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (23 minutes later)

Do you think it could be MRSA?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be due to MRSA

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
I don't think that it could be due to MRSA. Bullous impetigo due to MRSA is unusual in a immunocompetent adult. Moreover blisters in MRSA would be pus filled rather than with clear fluid and high fever and lymphadenopathy would associate.
Dr S Murugan

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar