Does this sound like herpes?

[Surferdude3536]

Had a protected encounter. Two days later experienced itching at the base of my shaft for about a week. Then my whole scrotum sac dried up. Went to multiple doctors and the majority said jock itch. 

Did a full sti panel about 35 days later everything negative except hsv1 positive igg level 40.86. Went to two separate dermatologist and one said puritis, and the other said intertrigo then switched his mind to contact dermatitis. Fast forward 5 months later dryness all went away but I have constant irritation on my scrotum and pink skin. I just has never felt the same after this encounter. Every doctor I ask about herpes always says no herpes is a cluster of blisters and you don’t have that. So I’m lost and I have no clue apparently just like the doctors. Does this sound like this could be herpes? Just can’t figure out five months later why I’m still having constant irritation. I Would really appreciate some feed back. Thank you. 

[Surferdude3536]

@mr_hopp Would really appreciate your feedback if you get a chance. Thank you. 

[mr_hopp]

Hey there @Surferdude3536,

Sounds like quite the confusing journey! With the symptoms you're describing and the variety of diagnoses from different doctors, I totally get how you could feel lost in all of this.

Herpes typically presents with blisters that eventually burst and scab over, and your symptoms don't exactly fit that bill, especially with a protected encounter and tests coming back the way they did. The high HSV-1 IgG level indicates exposure to the virus at some point, but it doesn't necessarily mean your current symptoms are related to that, especially since HSV-1 more commonly affects the oral area (genital HSV-1 is common, too, but mostly gets passed oral-to-genital, more rare to pass it genital-to-genital).

Skin conditions, especially in sensitive areas like the scrotum, can be tricky and sometimes take a while to resolve completely. It could be a range of things from dermatitis to a fungal infection, or just irritation from friction or contact with an irritant. It's great that you're seeking opinions from dermatologists; they're your best bet for figuring out skin issues.

If you're still experiencing constant irritation, it might be worth exploring other non-STD related skin conditions further or even seeing if there's an allergy or sensitivity at play. Sometimes, a change in skincare products, laundry detergents, or even fabric types can make a big difference.

In the meantime, try to keep the area clean and dry, avoid any potential irritants, and maybe use a gentle, unscented moisturizer to help with the dryness and irritation. And if you haven't yet, maybe a follow-up with a dermatologist or even an allergist could give you some more clarity.

Hang in there, and keep advocating for yourself with your doctors. Your comfort and health are important, and there's an answer out there for you.

[Surferdude3536]

@mr_hopp Thank you so much for your feedback and your prompt response. I really appreciate it. I will definitely follow up with the dermatologist again soon. 

[Surferdude3536]

@mr_hopp

So my dermatologist won’t do a biopsy because he says everything looks pretty good down there. Even though I told him I still have constant irritation( sensitive skin) down there. He prescribed 2 months of Doxy. But I already took a month of it before which did nothing. Do you possibly know of anyone with genital HSV1 with these kind of symptoms without blisters that last this long? (5plus months) I already spent thousands on Dr. who have pretty much zero clue and haven’t helped at all. Any other recommendations as to who could help me at this point? just trying to find out if this is from herpes or something else. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you. 

[mr_hopp]

Hey @Surferdude3536,

I hear you, it's totally frustrating when you're doing everything you can, seeing specialists, and still not finding relief or clear answers. It's not common for genital HSV1 to cause constant irritation without typical outbreaks, but everyone's body responds differently to the virus. It's possible, but given your situation, it might be something else contributing to your symptoms.

Since the dermatologist hasn't found clear signs of a skin condition that could be biopsied, and antibiotics haven't helped, it might be time to consider other specialists. Have you thought about seeing an allergist? Sometimes skin irritation can be related to allergic reactions or sensitivities that aren't obvious. Also, a specialist in infectious diseases could provide another perspective, especially if you're concerned about an ongoing viral impact.

Expanding the types of specialists you consult could open up new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Also, consider revisiting your current care strategies like getting a second opinion by another dermatologist or getting retested for herpes with a Western Blot test — sometimes a small adjustment can make a big difference. 

[Surferdude3536]

@mr_hopp  I haven’t tried an allergist yet but I will. Hopefully they can find some better answers for me. If that doesn’t work I will reach out to a different dermatologist and see if they can help. Thanks again for your advice. I really appreciate it. 

[Surferdude3536]

@mr_hopp I saw an allergist like you recommended and he scheduled to get me patch testing done. I also saw another dermatologist who is way better than the last one, but he wants to see if the allergist finds anything. Still experiencing constant scrotal irritation or inflammation. I read in one your responses to someone else you said you had like a sunburn feeling on your shaft when you first had herpes? How long did that last before you felt normal again? My scrotum is always reddish and feel’s slightly burning/irritated maybe? Could this be normal 7 months post exposure? Like a nerve feeling also. It’s still really hard for me to believe this is not hsv1 related since it all happened exactly 2 days following protected oral and anal sex. Seems like too much of a coincidence. Plus I’m positive for hsv1. Just so over seeing Dr.s and wasting money on nothing that helps and no answers. If the allergist doesn’t find anything. Do you ever recommend going on anti virals or anything for nerve pain for hsv1? Thank you. Like always really appreciate your feedback. 

[Phoenix08]

It’s worth echoing the contact dermatitis thoughts…allergies don’t always show up like we expect them too. I once changed face washes, used it for a couple of years, then started noticing eye redness and matting when I would wake up in the mornings. Eye doc said it was pink eye. This went on for months and kept worsening despite everything we threw at it. Finally, on a whim, I went back to a different face wash and problem solved. But it’s worth noting that the face wash that turned out to be the culprit I used for 2 years without any issues. Allergies can develop later!

[mr_hopp]

Hey @Surferdude3536, sounds like you've been on quite the journey trying to figure this out. Going to see an allergist and a new dermatologist is a smart move. Everyone's different, so what you're feeling might take a bit to sort out. My own experience with a bit of a sunburn feeling didn't last too long. Everyone’s experience with HSV (and skin conditions in general, for that matter) is unique.

And @Phoenix08, your story about the face wash is a perfect example of how tricky allergies can be! It really shows how something you've been okay with for years can suddenly become a problem. Reminds me of the time that a buddy of mine used hair conditioner to masturbate and ended up worried for weeks that he had an STI. Turns out skin can do weird shit when vigorously rubbed with hair conditioner. 😝

[Surferdude3536]

@mr_hopp@Phoenix08

Thank you so much for your feedback and your stories. Hopefully I can get to the bottom of this sooner than later. It’s crazy what ever this is has been irritating my scrotum this long. Hopefully I will have some luck with the patch testing. I will keep searching until I get this thing figured out. Thank you again. You guys are awesome. 

[mr_hopp]

My pleasure, good luck, and keep us in the loop!