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Having a wound on my scrotum. Is that herpes?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have an open wound or ulcer on my scrotum. I afraid that this might be herpes. However, the day before this wound I played football for 2 hours. I took a shower, but put on the same underwear and sprayed body spray on my boxers entirely before putting them on. I wore those boxers for the remaining of the day and did not take a shower until the following day. It was the following day where I noticed a red spot on my testicles as if dry skin and the skin cracked and the wound appeared.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. This is a little less likely to be herpes, as herpes typically manifest as blisters. I can confirm more accurately if you're open to sharing a picture. You could consider applying triple antibiotic cream (Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B) for a week and observe if it provides any relief.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

It looks like there is a lot of dry skin there too.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. It appears to be mild cellulitis likely stemming from the open wound (attachment removed to protect patient identity). To address this, a course of oral antibiotics for seven days would be necessary. I recommend reaching out to your specialist doctor, engaging in a discussion with them, and obtaining their consent before starting the medication.

To better assist you, could you kindly provide your age and any known medication allergies? This information will aid me in suggesting an appropriate medicine. Additionally, it's important to monitor any penile discharge or discharge from the open wound.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Are you sure that this is not a STD? How can body spray do that much damage? Can I place Neosporin on it until it heals? I think it might be starting to scab over now.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. In terms of sexually transmitted diseases, most typically exhibit penile discharge, which you mentioned you don't have, and no presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area. Additionally, substantial ulcerative lesions known as granuloma inguinale are not consistent with your current condition.

The cause here is not related to body spray, but rather attributed to friction during your workout, leading to folliculitis and subsequent wound formation. You can consider using topical Neosporin twice daily, but ensure you have your doctor's consent before doing so.

Should you notice no improvement, an increase in size of the wound and testes, or if you experience a fever, it's advisable to seek evaluation from a physician. Potential complications include abscess formation, with signs such as fever, increased warmth, hardening of the scrotum, and intensified pain.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At November 9, 2016
Reviewed AtMay 11, 2025

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