Bumps On Head Of Penis.

Brief Answer:
Genital herpes causes a similar rash- further details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and checked the uploaded images.

There are many possible causes of genital bumps and to better distinguish among them some more information would be helpful.

For instance, when did these bumps start, if they are painful or itchy or cause any discomfort, if you have had unprotected intercourse the last weeks and if you have any penile secretions or urinary symptoms, etc.

As much as the images allow me to see (they are a bit blurry), it is very likely that your bumps are due to herpes infection. Especially being small bumps so close together and on the head of the penis. Herpes infection is generally a sexually transmitted disease and may cause burning sensation and pain in the area.

Generally, because it may indicate a sexually transmitted infection, both you and your partner/s should be screened for other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, trichomonas, HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B, etc.

Treatment of genital herpes is done with oral tablets of Acyclovir 400mg every 8 hours for 5-7 days if this is the first time you have had this rash or 5 days if you have had previous similar episodes before (this is one of the treatment modalities, other doses and frequency may be given as well).

Acyclovir is a prescription drug so you will need to see your local physician for further course of action.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

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Brief Answer:
Yeast infection or contact dermatitis are likely- further steps explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

Thank you for the extra information and the uploaded image, it is more clear.
Herpes infection causes blisters and should heal within 2 weeks so I also agree that herpes infection is unlikely.

There are two main conditions to consider, yeast infection and contact dermatitis. These both cause itchiness and may last for weeks.

Contact dermatitis is a local reaction to some chemical such as odors, soaps, detergents, even latex condoms.

As for treatment, there are a few options:
- you may start to use an antifungal (miconazole or clotrimazole) locally twice a day and if you do not notice an adequate improvement in 3-4 days you may add a steroid locally (betamethasone) a thin layer twice a day (before you apply the antifungal) for another 7 days.
- another easy option would be to start both at the same time, a thin layer of betamethasone followed by the antifungal twice a day for 7-10 days.
- the first option will help you better understand if it is a fungal infection or a contact dermatitis related rash
- please be cautious not to start with the steroid alone as this may make the fungal infection worse

As a general rule to avoid local reactions a patient should be aware of the following:
- cotton underwear is recommended
- for personal hygiene, it is recommended to only rinse the genitals with warm water but not to use any soaps, detergents, shampoo or cleaning products, even if they say they are for sensitive skin
- latex condoms may sometimes cause a local reaction, this would be considered if you use condoms and the rash reoccurs. In this case, you may try to avoid condoms at all for some time (other methods of contraception may be considered if needed), or try latex-free condoms.

If you notice no improvement with the above treatment, you will need to see your doctor.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

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