HomeAnswersDermatologygenital herpesHow to confirm whether the red bump on the penile shaft is pimple or herpes?

I developed a red bump on my penile shaft after intercourse. Could this be herpes?

Share

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

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At January 5, 2021
Reviewed AtJanuary 30, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 26 years old. I woke up a few days ago with a red bump on my shaft. I recently had protected sex with a new person, which is why I am worrying. There is no white head or hair. It looks deep, but I am not sure if that is the regular depth for a blister or pimple. I put some pressure on the bump, and a little bit of pus came out, and the bump now looks skin-colored. After a few days of making sure it is always clean, the bump is very small, almost non-existent. However, the skin is shiny and looks like a blister. It was not itchy and never burst open. Nor does it hurt unless I put pressure on it. However, if I stretched my penis, I could feel the discomfort. My symptoms are non itchy, the pain only with pressure, no clear fluid, ulceration, tingling, or constant pain. My temperature went up to 98.7. No aches or unwell feeling. I am trying to determine whether this is just a pimple or it could be herpes?

Answered by Dr. Payal Chauhan

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. It does not look like herpes, that much I am sure. The photos you attached are not very clear and cannot be zoomed without blurring (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I will need a close up well-focused picture in a well-lit area to determine the exact diagnosis. Please send multiple clear images if you can.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Here are more pictures. If not herpes, please let me know what you may think it is.

Answered by Dr. Payal Chauhan

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for sharing these pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The second photograph looks like that of a blister, although it does not look like herpes still. Herpes has grouped vesicles with surrounding redness and ruptures to form ulcers with burning. But any form of a blister on the genitals need to be investigated for herpes. It is probably a friction blister because of the sexual activity but still get herpes serology if available.

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

Dr. Payal Chauhan
Dr. Payal Chauhan

Dermatology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dermatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy