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What Causes Rash On Torso, Upper Thighs And Arms After Having Non Penetrative Sex?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015
Question: Hello,
I have recently broken out in a rash covering most of my torso, back, upper thighs and some of my arms. I went to my doctor and with he immediately diagnosed me with Pitirysis Rosea. After doing some more research on the condition it seems like this condition can be mixed up with secondary syphilis.

I am worried because about 4-5 weeks ago I went to a massage parlour and undertook mutual masturbation.(with a female) (Her giving me a hand job at the same time as me putting my finger in her vagina.) As far as I know she never touched herself, and neither did I during this process. No other contact of a risky sexual nature was made.

My question is that given the above information how likely is it that my rash is caused by secondary syphilis as i understand that it is very rare for syphilis to be contracted this way.


A few points to consider,

My rash is itchy (apparently syphilis rash is often not), and it does not appear on the palms of my hands or soles of my feet.

I never noticed any of the symptoms of stage 1 syphilis .eg chancres, ext.

Thank you,

I'm worried sick and wondering if i should get tested properly.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Kindly upload any image of the effected area

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic.
I have taken note of your query.
I request you to upload any image of the effected area so that I can guide you better.
You can upload an image at reports section or you may also mail me the image at YYYY@YYYY
Kindly mention the subject of this mail as attention Dr. Kakkar.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (21 minutes later)
I have sent an email Doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Likely Pityriasis rosea

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I have reviewed the Images.
You seem to have done a good deal of research yourself and that makes my job easier because you will be able to understand easily.

This is very likely to be pityriasis rosea, going by the morphology i.e scaly patches on trunk arranged along rib lines.
There may also be involvement of proximal extremities with scaly red patches.

You rightly mentioned that P rosea is one of the differential diagnosis of syphilis and vice versa.
-However, a papulosquamous rash of syphilis classically involves palms & soles whereas p rosea spares palms and soles.
-Syphilis is asymptomatic whereas P rosea may be somewhat itchy.

Other clinical differentiating points between syphilis and P rosea are...
-Syphilitic rash is also assocaited with lymphadenopathy i.e cervical and inguinal glands would be enlarged and palpable.
-Moreover, in syphilis there will be mucosal lesions as well such as ulcers and mucous patches.

The nature of sexual activity that you had seems to be very safe.

Syphilis is very rare though not unlikely by this route (fingering) since the bacterium causing syphilis (Treponema pallidum) can penetrate intact skin of fingers and in the past there have been rare reports of syphilitic chancres on finger and other cutaneous surfaces.

Though it is extremely unlikely that this is syphilis on clinical evidence, still you may take up an RPR or VDRL test (even today) and can be absolutely sure (if not already! ) about this.
Most likely it will turn out to be negative.

Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

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

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Rash On Torso, Upper Thighs And Arms After Having Non Penetrative Sex?

Brief Answer: Kindly upload any image of the effected area Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic. I have taken note of your query. I request you to upload any image of the effected area so that I can guide you better. You can upload an image at reports section or you may also mail me the image at YYYY@YYYY Kindly mention the subject of this mail as attention Dr. Kakkar. Regards