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How Is Herpes And Sexually Transmitted Diseases Transmitted?

Posted on Wed, 14 May 2014

Question: Recently, I visited a massage parlour which I went to hesitantly, I know they offer handjobs and may be sex too, after going in there I was scared to have handjob or oral sex or sex ( they do all using condoms ) and I only opted for backrub ( all the time with back up and no frontal display), even though I got rid of my pants and shirt, I retained my underwear ( genitals ) just to be safe, the massage gal did just a backrub on me, by sitting one me ( she was wearing lingerie, not naked ) and now I am scared to hell if I would have contracted herpes from just the back rub, I also have warts on my neck which she touched , I am not sure if warts would transfer any possible infection in to my body. I didnt see any obvious sores on her face or her hands , Please help me , am I at risk of contracting herpes? Assuming that her vagina touched my back, is there a possibility of herpes infection there?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
There is no cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

First and foremost going by your description of events, I would assure you that there is no cause for concern. Risk of you getting any infection is 0%.

Herpes or any sexually transmitted disease to be transmitted requires prolonged contact with each others genital or potential secretions like vaginal, blood and semen.
Even a intimate massage without any sexual contact does not transmit Herpes or any STD.
So I would advise you to relax and do not be bothered about having contracted any infection.

Wishing you happy and healthy life.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (10 hours later)

Thanks Doctor for the reply, it eased up almost all of my fears.

I have few followup questions though if you dont mind, If at all her vagina touched my back ( highly unlikely ), how hard or easy is for the virus to go through my thick back skin?

Should I be worried about any contract from her finger or palms which she rubbed on my back ( like herpes whitlow ) ?
And I have been going through lot of anxiety and have been continuously monitoring for any symptoms and I have poked at my lymph nodes multiple times ( under arms and under jaw line ) and I think I made them swell and they pained and now coming back to normal , Is it natural ?

I saw that swollen lymph nodes come with other symptoms which I dont have , I guess my anxiety created all of this, please confirm.

Also should I be going for any tests?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No Cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
There is absolutely no cause for concern. Even if vaginal secretion come in contact with intact skin it will not spread any infection. There is absolutely no cause for concern. Even the hands touching on back or anywhere in body will not spread any infection. There is absolutely no need of picking at your lymph nodes, it will cause them to enlarge.
All you need is a good sleep and relaxation. There is absolutely no cause for concern.
No Test or investigations required.

Take Care

Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (12 hours later)

Thank you Doctor,

I have been experiencing some pain in the lymph node since I poked last night and I went to a doctor today and she pressed around it and said theres nothing to worry about , but the pain increased after the doctor pressed around and I feel there is a swellign around that area, I am really scared about this, I am unable to eat well since last 4 days and I think I lost some weight too.

Doctor said to take some ibuprofen and I did take some which reduced the pain a bit.

How long does it take for the swelling to reduce ? is it something normal because I dont remember poking my node aggressively? kindly let me know I am panicking .

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Will regress in 1 week

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Stress along with trauma by handling it will defintely cause increase in size of lymph node. Apart from Ibuprofen, application of hot water fomentation will be helpful.

It will take a week for the nodes to completely subside, its better they are left alone.
Weight loss is due to decreased food intake due to strss and anxiety.

Take Care

Regards
Dr Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (39 hours later)

Thanks Doctor,

Today morning I rubbed around my genital area to see if there are any blisters, but instead found a small red bump which is no way looks like a blister filled with liquid but does like the following

https://www.google.com/search?q=red+bumps+on+testicles&espv=210&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=EvJJU_zxJ8mqsATA9IHoAQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=793&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgrc=EfIH8cOG7CA4pM%253A%3BFbDHsEoJ8shrwM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fs3.amazonaws.com%252Ff01.justanswer.com%252FJACUSTOMERikvs3rja%252F2012-09-06_205049_testicles_pic.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.justanswer.com%252Fhealth%252F73rak-small-dark-red-almost-black-bumps-testicular.html%3B2592%3B1936

Which is angiokeratoma according to the internet, is it common to see these while feeling tensed about herpes? They are no water filled or in cluster as is a case with herpes, but I am freaked out, I am seeing my wife everyday and shes asking me why am I tensed and down and I couldnt say anything to her which is very depressing , please let me know if these are ok.

My genital skin seems to be burning now since I rubbed against it for a while, is it expected?

Please know I am very depressed and grief stricken now and don't intend to pester with similar set of questions .

Thanks,

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It's likely due to hot and humid weather

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

There is absolutely no cause to be worried about. It would have been more helpful if you could have sent us the clinical photograph of your lesion. It's highly traumatic searching the Internet for what one is suffering from.
If you are having such lesion it's likely die to hot and humid weather with sweating. Stress also increases the sweating.
You don't have to rub the genitals to check for herpes . Herpes blisters are the most painful blisters one can every have. Diagnosis of skin pathology requires good visual examination and not palpation or touching it.
I would again reassure that there is no reason for worrying. Just forget that incident ever happened. Move on with life. Concentrate on your personal and professional life.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance.

Take care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (20 minutes later)

Thank you once again doctor,

I can only type in how much confidence you are pumping in me, the following link should give you my findings, as you said before I had to literally find them and am not sure if they existed before

http://postimg.org/image/m9o4u8zz9/

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Its retention cyst

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Dear Mr

Thanks for the photograph. From the clinical picture, it looks retention cyst of the scrotum. Its completely normal and seen in many of normal individuals. There is absolutely no cause for concern.
Do not rub it or handle it vigorously, leave it alone.
Its definitely benign and innocent.

Do write to me for any other query.

Regards
Dr Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (14 hours later)

Thank you Doctor,
Thank you for your patience, I think I am panicking at every minute things in my body which I never cared for, I have a burning sensation on lips and mouth , is it again anxiety and stress which is causing this? Everyday, its hard to sleep and eat, I am now worried if I had contracted Oral Herpes, are oral blisters sore accompanied by fever or sore throat? If so, I am relieved as I dont have fever or sore throat. Kindly let me know, sorry if I am asking recurring questions

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's not oral Herpes

Detailed Answer:
Hi
greeting
Oral Herpes is unlikely as you did not have any oral exposure. Anxiety and stress can cause somatic symptoms ranging from dry mouth , pain in mouth. Oral herpes causes painful blisters especially near the corner of mouth.
There is absolutely nothing to be worried about. It's definitely not herpes.
Also remember there is always cure for Herpes but treating anxiety us much difficult.
I would again advise you to keep moving on in life.

Take care
best regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (24 hours later)

Thanks Doctor,

Today in the morning I have some discomfort near adam's apple, I sorta pressed near it to see if its swollen, but instead I ended up having pain around the neck muscle (along left sternal head, If I am not wrong ) by EOD and I am having difficulty stretching my neck , like turning back completely etc, the ear which is on the side of neck where there is pain also turned red, is it something to worry about? Kindly let me know.

I know I went digging up for symptoms initially , but today it came up pretty voluntarily.

If someone gets affected with herpes, what comes first ? Fever, sore throat or lymph nodes? Kindly help me. Your answer pours life in me.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Just a co-incidental sore throat

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

As you had no oral contact there is absolutely no need to be worried of having acquired oral herpes.
Oral herpes usually presents with painful oral blister, it may sometimes be preceded by sore throat.
Your symptoms are more likely to be due to co-incidental sore throat occuring in you.
Also I would like to draw your notice to one point. Its only your single exposure and there was no sexual contact or contact with secretions , there appears to be no cause for concern. The girls giving massage are true professionals and are handling many clients every day. They are more exposed to risk than a single client. They usually ensure adequate precautions.

Also start warm saline gargling which will be helpful in relieving your symptoms
Do get back to me any time for further queries.

Take care

Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 hours later)

Thanks doctor,
I feel like have developed swelling along my lymph node under jaw and hence difficulty swallowing,now aim really worried:(, why would my lymph node swell , is this pain from the initial prodding I did and covered it with an ibuprofen ? It feels like there is a stone in my throat
No sign of blisters or fever though.
Please help me
Went to the doctor for a physical today, the WBC count is within normal range , i.e. 5.2 , does this mean its good ? Kindly let me know.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's likely traumatic lymphadenitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
It's likely to be enlargement of lymph nodes due to trauma causing lymphadenitis. A course of antibiotics like Tablet Augmentin Duo 1 gm twice a day for 5 days along with warm saline gargling will be effective. If your physical examination is normal and also your counts are normal there is absolutely no cause to be worried about.

Take care
Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (57 minutes later)

Thanks Doc,

The doctor I went to put her hands around my neck and said she couldnt find anything abnormal,the pain or discomfort also has come down, She asked me to take an Ibuprofen but I didnt just to see if that sustains.

I have one question though, Seeing that WBC is within the range, I am relieved.

Please confirm that Herpes infection affects the WBC count ?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes cause fall in leukocyte count

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Herpes virus may sometimes cause a fall in leukocyte count.
Normal leukocyte count is very reassuring

Take care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (8 hours later)

Thank you doctor, I will keep you posted of any developments

BTW, the pain in the neck is gone without any medication, just some relief for me , I started concentrating on my career.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take care

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Wow great
That's really good to know.

Take care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 days later)

Hello Doctor,

When I woke up today, I found a small pimple on my inner elbow, which has a white tip to it, there is no itching or burning sensation there. When I searched around, I found one on my chest, I am slightly concerned if they are anything related to herpes, I usually experience these but in this context its freaking me out.

All of them look like they have pus in them , at least on the tip, I dont have any other symptoms though, do you think these are result of stress and anxiety?

Kindly let me know

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be folliculitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Herpes only affects one dermatome , that is the area supplied by single nerve. Elbow and chest have different nerve supply. Its unlikely to herpes. It is just folliculitis.
Local application of Mupirocin ointment will be helpful.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Thank you,

I also found that there is small white bump on top of my moustache and one near lower lip, I am really scared again now, is it something serious ? Should I be sending the image of the same ?

Thanks,

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly send images

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Yes surely you can send the images. You can upload the images in image uploader available on the website.

Take care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 hours later)

http://s4.postimg.org/vof6h5w7x/photo_1.jpg
http://s7.postimg.org/mqweu5ki3/photo_2.jpg
Kindly see and let me know

one beside nose and one below lip

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Both are folliculitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

Thanks for the pictures. It is definitely not Herpes. It is folliculitis or boil. Local application of Mupirocin Ointment will be curative.
no need for any alarm.

Take care
regards
Dr Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (30 minutes later)

Thank you doc,

Is folliculitis or boil serious? Kindly let me know.

Why do they occur ?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Its nothing serious

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Folliculitis also known as boil is infection of hair follicle , its quite common where the hairs are abundant especially the beard areas. Shaving is one of the predisposing factor. It is definitely not serious. It commonly occurs in many of the normal individuals. Scratching, shaving and exposure to dust cause colonization of hair follicles with bacteria which cause folliculitis.

Take Care

Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (13 minutes later)

I havent sent you the pic of boil on my elbow, Could it be something else?
Sorry about the recurrent questionshttp://s30.postimg.org/44v76hdkx/photo_1.jpg
http://s30.postimg.org/5nqlbgk5d/photo_2.jpg
http://s10.postimg.org/5slcrtwnd/photo_3.jpg

All the above three pics are from my elbow, kindly have a look and let me know

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Its folliculitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

The lesion over elbow is again folliculitis. There is no cause for concern.

I would advise you to stop worrying about having contracted any infection which is highly unlikely .

Take Rest
Sleep well.

Do write for any further assistance

Regards
Dr Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (17 hours later)

Thank you Doc,

Can you please let me know why would I get folluculitis on my elbow as the reasons for it on my chin and around beard area are straightforward?
Also, I think its just my feeling I have been nauseous since yesterday as I had completed 2 weeks since "exposure" and was fearing something would pop up!, Is it normal or is it something I should be worried about? I dont feel like eating and get constant burps, I am checking my temperature too, Its around 97.3 F

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Folliculitis can occur anywhere

Detailed Answer:
Hi
folliculitis can occur anywhere. Excessive sweating due to stress may also be predisposing factor.
Rest be assured there is absolutely no cause for concern.

Take Care

Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (45 minutes later)

Thank you doc once again,

What about the nausea feeling? Is it self inflicted or something else?
I am panicked but I am not feeling as good as I would have wanted.
Its just that I have been praying that one more week goes by without symptoms :(

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Non specific symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir

More you anticipate symptoms, more likely are non specific symptoms to creep. I would again suggest you to sleep over the incident and keep going All these are Post traumatic disorder symptoms you are experiencing.
Rest be assured there is no cause for concern.
Eat small quantity frequent meals, tablet Pantoprozole + domperidone will be helpful.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 days later)

Hello Doctor,

Since yesterday, I started to feel a bump below my neck near throat, I am attaching the pic, I dont know if this is result of my checking lymph nodes or they have swelled up really, I feel scared if it is something to be worried , last night I took a 200 mg ibuprofen fearing that I might get fever. I feel weak and get tired thinking of it

I am attaching the pic for your reference

http://postimg.org/image/8uxwas7wb/b3aa4e01/

Can you see the slight bump beside the throat ?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Insignificant lymph node enlargement

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

Its just an isolated small swelling which is not very obvious. Attempt to constantly feel foe lymph node may invoke trauma leading on to enlargement of lymph node.
There is absolutely no cause for concern.
I would once again suggest to sleep over the insignificant episode. There is really no need to worry about. Live life carefree.

Take Care

Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Thanks Doc,

You have been the most "patient" doctor ever :)

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take Care

Detailed Answer:
Greetings
Take Care

Do let me know if i can be of any use to you anytime.
Take Care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar