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What can cause itchy bumps on penis that cluster together?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 10, 2018
Reviewed AtJanuary 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 29 years of age. I had unprotected sex and I am having sex with the same partner for more than a year and a half. Suddenly, I got itching sensation and found that I have got itchy bumps on my penis which started clustering together. Later, it healed automatically. I also found when I run or walk a long distance and feel sweaty, I feel the sensation and I get the bumps again. These bumps are small and shiny at the tip and often get clustered and gets healed. It does not give me a problem but I really feel demoralized and unfit. I do not have these problems regularly. Also for a long time, I have itchy inner thighs because of which my skin turned blackish white and is still itchy. I am not sure whether I am infected. Please suggest me the solution to get diagnosed. I can provide pictures if required.

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have noted your concern and I have viewed the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

You have genital molluscum contagiosum. It is an STD (sexually transmitted disease). They can be removed with electrocautery or radiofrequency cautery.

Itchy rashes are due to fungal infection.

I suggest you apply Candid-B cream, twice daily. You may also take a tablet Cetirizine 10 mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching. Regards.

For more information consult a venereologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/venereologist

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much for your response. I do not have high itching, and pain sometimes. It automatically disappears after few days and reappears if I have done work out or I am out for the whole day in the sun, nor even like fever. I fear if it is the symptoms of herpes simplex virus. Request you to let me know how long would it take to cure.

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Are they fluid filled bumps? Like water bubbles? How long do they take to heal?

Clustering and recurrent episodes do suggest that this could be herpes genitalis type 2.

I suggest you take an ELISA for HSV type 1 and 2, IgG and IgM. This would confirm if it is genital herpes. If it is genital herpes then perhaps you would need oral antivirals like Acyclovir or Valacyclovir.

For more information consult a venereologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/venereologist

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Firstly after tingling, it appears to be itchy and I found that I have small and shiny bumps. These are tiny shiny bumps which grow slowly and form clustered but these are hard when touched although these are white but I do not see pus coming out and gets healed automatically. Even if it is white after getting clustered it seems to be hard. Little water like substance comes out when the lid is open but not pus, also sometimes it does not even grow to white bump it automatically gets faded away. You can check them out in the second and third image which I have sent you. Last I had this issue was around three months ago and before that, it kept coming up in between a month or two.

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

From your description (fluid-filled lesions in a cluster and recurrent in nature) and after viewing the images it seems like they are lesions of genital herpes. I suggest you take a blood test for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection - HSV type 1 and 2, ELISA, IgG and IgM levels.

Let me know the result of this test. This test would help in confirming the diagnosis. Regards.

For more information consult a venereologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/venereologist

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have gone through the test. Please view the documents and let me know. IgG test has been highlighted. I am not sure about it. Please let me know whether everything is normal or let me know further steps. Please ignore the first attachment and go through the second one.

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have viewed the attached file.

You have HSV (herpes simplex virus) type 2 infection as indicated by the positive index value for IgG, HSV type 2 ELISA. The recurrent sores that you get on penile shafts is a manifestation of this infection.

HSV infection stays for life. It is an STD. It may cause intermittent episodes of genital sores though the frequency of recurrences decreases with time.

Since it seems that you have recently acquired HSV infection, therefore, you are getting frequent recurrences, as expected. This frequency of recurrences is going to reduce with time. Therefore presently you may opt for a suppressive oral antiviral therapy with Valacyclovir for a year if your recurrences are frequent and bother you mentally and physically.

Was your sexual partner also screened for HSV? Ideally, she should also be screened. Regards.

For more information consult a venereologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/venereologist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sushil Kakkar
Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Dermatology

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