Do the blisters always burst?

Posted , 17 users are following.

Hi there. First time poster here, currently experiencing symptoms that could be herpes - but things don't quite add up!

Around 2 months ago I noticed a spot on one of my testicles, it looked like a simple spot and I assumed it was a blocked pore or ingrown hair. It remained the same size and shape and is still there today. Maybe 2-3 weeks later I noticed some other small pimples appearing on the same testicle and they have remained small (pin head) shaped but are not itchy sore or painful. They are still there.

Most recently, around 2 weeks ago, some smaller pimples appeared on my penis and have remained there since. Again there is no pain or soreness and they have not burst or leaked any fluid.

Around a month ago I came down with what I assumed was a cold, but it's taken a while to clear.

Out of precaution I have gone to a GP who said they look like herpes. I said that I've had them for weeks and months and haven't had any other symptoms of herpes, but he took a blood sample to test for herpes just incase, and prescribed me with some anti-fungal cream and anti-viral tablets (valaciclovir) which I'm taking twice a day (500mg each). I've been with the same partner for nearly a year and neither of us have had symptoms of herpes before.

Since starting the anti virals I've started to feel a dull ache in my groin, lower back and lower abdomen which I've not had before, as well as what felt liked swollen glands in my neck. I generally feel worse now than I did when I went to the doctors! Part of that could be stress related whilst waiting for the blood test results, but I also wonder if it could a side effect of the anti viral medication.

On one hand some of the symptoms stack up and I'm expecting the worst and for the result to come back positive. On the other though I wonder if it could be something else - particularly because the pimples have remained in their state for weeks now with no pain or sign of them bursting.

Has anyone had a similar experience or could shed some light on it?

Cheers!

1 like, 26 replies

26 Replies

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  • Posted

    The antiviral meds should not cause symptoms like that, certainly not swollen glands. Herpes lesions would also not persist for weeks unchanged. Did they ever clear up then recur, or just remain? Are they still there now, and if so, did your doctor bother to swab test them for herpes or whatever else?
    • Posted

      Hi, thanks for replying! The lesions/pimples have just remained, apart from the new ones that popped up a couple of weeks ago they've stayed the same size and haven't got any worse or better. The doctor didn't take a swab and just visually thought they could be a sign of herpes.

      To be honest I wasn't very impressed with the doctor - he didn't ask many questions and didn't offer any alternative suggestions.

      I can try and post a picture if that would be of any help. Cheers.

    • Posted

      That doesn't sound like herpes (too long, no change), or fungal (cream did not work, not itchy). Could it be molluscum instead? Try googling photos. You can also post a pic here, if you want. Need to do that via the desktop site, I believe.
    • Posted

      Hi Felis, thanks for your input on this. Molluscum is something I've seen online and the lesions I've had are very similar if not identical and when talking to my girlfriend this is something we wondered it could be. Another thing was HPV/warts, but the doc ruled this out at the time he inspected it.

      Another 12 hours has passed since I posted my first message and no change to the lesions, and the more time passes the more I feel this is less likely to be herpes and more likely to be something else.

      The thing that worries me mostly is the ache that I've had in my balls, groin and lower abdomen since being on the anti virals. Whether this is stress related or perhaps the sign of some other as yet identified infection I'm not sure, but hopefully the blood test results (which should be done in 1-2 days) will give some ideas on this.

      I'll try and post a picture tomorrow when I have access to a desktop pc. In the meantime, any more advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

    • Posted

      If it's unlikely herpes and the anti-HSV meds aren't helping, you can stop them and see what happens. The meds are usually well tolerated and herpes does not "require" meds from a recovery perspective. For a first outbreak, it just helps ease the symptoms and speed up recovery if started early enough. Could be an unusual side effect to the meds, stress or both. Herpes does not usually cause testicles to ache or your other symptoms, other than swollen lymph nodes in your groin, but any infection in the area can cause that. Hope that helps, and let me know how your test results come back!
    • Posted

      Thanks Felis,

      As i've seen no change in the lesions since I went to the doctor (which is a week ago today), and bearing in mind they've been there for in some case a couple of months now, I think the anti-viral medication is probably not going to do much.  When I get the results i'm going to mention the aching to the doc to see what he says, and i'll ask to get seen by a specialist.

      I've attached a couple of pics - not the best quality but hopefully gives you an indication of what it looks like.

    • Posted

      I can see why herpes was suspected. However, if herpes, there's no way those bumps would remain the same way for weeks without bursting, ulcerating and crusting. Are they relatively hard (compared to a blister) and smooth? If so, I strongly suspect molluscum, which is viral and contagious, but not related to herpes in any way, nor does it have the issues associated with herpes, although it can be rather unsightly while the bumps remain.
    • Posted

      It looks like hpv. Herpes blisters are painful and very uncomfortable. If you are having no pain less likely herpes plus they havnt burster or changed. Herpes has 5 stages to it. I'd go look into being tested for job warts possibly.

  • Posted

    What kind of blood test did the doctor request and do you have any itching. When I was diagnosed (via IgG blood test) the doctor told me that I would only need medication if I was having an outbreak but I still took the valtrex to reduce the risk of infection and I got some back pain for a few days. It was sporadic but still pained. I just thought it was all in the mind.
    • Posted

      Hi Miss Take,

      I can't remember the type of blood test but it is part of a wider screening that will test for other STDs.  I should get the results any day now so can confirm when I get them. 

      No itching, the lesions are painless and aren't itchy or sensitive.  Looking up the side effects of the anti-virals, back and abdomen pain is listed as possibilities so I could just be one of the unlucky ones who doesn't get on well with it! 

    • Posted

      Lower back (and other nerve) pain can be related to herpes, but not abdominal or testicular pain. Yeah, could be a side effect of the meds, you never know, but not overly common I would say. Based on the unchanging persistence of the bumps, I would rule out herpes, however. First outbreak herpes blisters usually burst and ulcerate in about a week, then crust over on exposed skin in another week, taking longer to fully heal. You would also expect them to feel sore to the touch at the very least.
  • Posted

    Im dealing with the same thing. I just left the doctors and I am in a complete melt down. I just changed partners after being with one person for 6 years. 3 weeks after being with that partner I noticed two small bumps on my labia. I only noticed them because I happened to touch them. They dont hurt or itch. I've had them for 5 days now and they have not spread or gotten larger or leaked anything. I have gotten lumps there before from shaving. Before noticing these bumps I did try to shave two days in a row and cut myself. I havent felt sick, no tingling, burning, itching or discharge. My bumps are extremely small and look nothing like I've seen online. And yes, I just had my mom come over to look and compare. She literally neded a flashlight and glasses to see my bumps and said they werent even noticable. However, the doctor was pretty sure that it was herpes although I have to wait 3 weeks for results. (This same doctor forgot to take my urine sample) I was prescribed a medicine but I dont even want to go to any local pharmacies and its 200 dollars without insurace! Also, Im trying to figure out when the peak of this is. I've heard the first outbreak is the worst (if thats what this is.) It's been 6 days of no change in size or anything. I'm supposed to vacation with someone I've been seeing this week and I dont want them to become uncomfortable or worse although while I am on vaction. 

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