HomeAnswersSexologysyphilisI am diagnosed with syphilis and under medication. Kindly help.

What are the causes of the black crusts and red bumps on the penis?

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

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 10, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi,

There are black crusts on my penis head and one reddish bump on the side as well as many red bumps spread across my legs and feet. They itch extremely. They do not hurt unless touched but only hurts slightly. The doctor said it was syphilis but it does not look like that. I am currently on Doxycycline for syphilis. I am a 19-year-old male, about 173 centimeters in height, and weigh about 55 kilograms.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, the lesions seen in the picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) are not typical lesions of syphilis.

Have you got any investigations done? Like VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory test) and TPHA (treponema pallidum haemagglutination) test for syphilis?

Do you have any history of high-risk unprotected sexual intercourse?

These lesions which appear as crusts could be seen in herpes too. Also, some kinds of tumors could present like this but you are young and are not at the age of tumors which usually present at a later age.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply,

I do not know about VDRL and TPHA. But I went to the doctor he took a look, he did not do any tests and told me it is syphilis. I lost my virginity about one to two months back and it was without a condom. I really hope it is not herpes because I think it is pretty bad.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Herpes lesions on dry-up can appear like this. Herpes is relatively less serious than syphilis. For confirmation of diagnosis, you should get your STD (sexually transmitted disease) screen test done. Without the tests, the diagnosis cannot be confirmed. TPHA (Treponema pallidum haemagglutination) and VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory test) are tested for syphilis. IgM and IgG for HSV (herpes simplex virus) are tested for herpes. If the tests come negative then no need to get worried.

Thanks.

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

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnui
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnui

Psychiatry

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

Read answers about:

syphilisred bump on penis

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Sexology

*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