Hello..

Please please read my post and tell me what you think.. thanks so much in advance..

I'm 34, male, generally healthy. 7 months ago, two weeks after having a sexual contact, a specific location on my thigh began to itch - pretty close to the groin. Ever since then it still itches (sometimes lightly, like crawling/tingling sensation, sometimes even painful) and the area even burns. 4 months ago I began feeling similar sensations around the mouth and my lips too, and it still occurs on a daily basis since then. and a few weeks ago the itches also reached my genitals, anus, and down my throat (i can constantly feel there's something deep in the throat, it makes me want to cough very lightly all the time). In the last two weeks I wake up every night from the itches.. especially those on the testicles (sorry for the detailed description).

Visualy there's nothing to see really. Absolutely nothing on the thigh or groins or testicles. There's a very light and very small whitish skin on penis head, a white patch that showed up 3 months ago on my upper lip, and a white patch on my palm which can be seen only when I shower/sweat. I went to 3 dermatologists and an infections specialist. All of them said I have nothing. About the whitish skin - they just said it's random skin changes or localized lack of pigments. They said it's not HPV and no worry. About the itch - they have no idea, but again said it's nothing. I also did a tongue culture test for yeast infection tests which came negative. I did blood count and I got pretty low white blood count - 4.1.

Despite doctors' opinion I'm pretty scared. The persistent itch/pain/burns come back every day (especially in the night). I rarely have a few hours without them. Since there are no obvious warts, I'm afraid it might be high risk HPV, and that my immunity system is weak, and I may be developing cancer (or RRP at the throat) (I know it's rare).

So I guess my questions are 1) is there a way for a guy to check for high risk HPV ? should I ask for biopsies from the thigh/anus/lip ? it sound scary and painful... 2) I heard there's a medicine (still not FDA approved) called something like 'purine derivative' which is supposed to help the body fight the virus. I read you can get it in Taiwan. What do you say about it ? I will go all the way there for that.. 3) does White Blood Count go low in presence of a viral infection ? can that indicate HPV ? I began exercising a lot and eating healthy to try to boost my WBC lately.. (I also did HIV tests which came back negative).

Last note - which I don't think are related - I also got from that lady chlamydia (got positive DNA tests from the urine). I got treated with tons of 4 different types of antibiotics because the pain didn't go away easily. so I though the antibiotics might explain a yeast infection, although the tongue culture came back negative, and anway the thigh itches did begin 2-3 weeks before I got treated, and I don't think itches have anything to do with the chlamydia..

Thanks so much for reading this..

Please tell me what you think..

I'm just afraid of not doing the right thing when I still can out of lack of knowledge... Thanks so much

Hey pal,

I think you're worrying too much, and it seems that you've done all that is reasonable to determine that your symptoms aren't related to HPV. Having multiple biopsies taken from non-genital sites does seem a bit much, especially given the numerous medical opinions you've received to the contrary.

The itch/pain/burning you describe is not characteristic of HPV. Also, oral cancers related to HPV typically develop over 10 or more years, not several months.

Still, the discomfort you're experiencing has to be frustrating and I'm sorry this is all so difficult. Please keep checking in, and for goodness sake don't fly off to Thailand for experimental treatments!

Keep in touch.

Best,
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator

Hi Fredo,

Thanks so much for your reply. It is so comforting even just to talk with someone about this, and you're being very nice and helpful (and doctors I've been too don't seem to care too much really to discuss/explain..).

I have a few questions please.

I did another blood count and got even a lower White Blood Cells count - it is now 3.9. In the past few years I had an average 5.5. I've been told a low WBC might indicate a viral infection. is it a known response to HPV infection ?

I read that sometimes people are treated with orally-given interferons when they are diagnose with viral infections. I think that's that medicine which they give in that Taipei clinic for HPV. After doing some research I found out it is quite common a treatment even in western countries, but not for HPV (yet?). It's FDA-approved for several other viral infections, e.g. hepatitis. What do you think of this ?

Last question: Is there any test for males to find existence of HPV ? any blood tests (antigen e.g.) ? Doctors I've been too told me that "HPV is something you see" which I know is not always true.. and this is one reasons for my doubt in their conclusions..

These symptoms are so new to me and coping with them is so hard, especially when imagining I can give it to my loved ones by the simplest kiss on the cheek... I began exercising a lot now and eating more healthy in attempt to boost my WBC but it doesn't seem to help. I also read that besides increasing the WBC, healthy-life habits can also give more vitality to the existing white cells, even if not increasing their count.

Thanks again and I wish you all the best
pave

I did another blood count and got even a lower White Blood Cells count - it is now 3.9. In the past few years I had an average 5.5. I've been told a low WBC might indicate a viral infection. is it a known response to HPV infection?

HPV won't lower the WBC.

I read that sometimes people are treated with orally-given interferons when they are diagnose with viral infections. I think that's that medicine which they give in that Taipei clinic for HPV. After doing some research I found out it is quite common a treatment even in western countries, but not for HPV (yet?). It's FDA-approved for several other viral infections, e.g. hepatitis. What do you think of this ?

Interferon is not recommended for routine use with HPV. When it is use, it's most often in the from of an injection directly into a wart - painful, expensive, and chock full of side-effects that include flu-like symptoms.

Systemic interferon is also a rare approach, and when used at all typically is done following treatment for skin lesions (like warts) in cases where recurrences are an issue. It is NOT used for asymptomatic infection and even with symptomatic cases, this is not a frontline approach to treatment.

Last question: Is there any test for males to find existence of HPV ? any blood tests (antigen e.g.) ? Doctors I've been too told me that "HPV is something you see" which I know is not always true.. and this is one reasons for my doubt in their conclusions..

HPV antibody (not antigen) blood tests exist but are rarely used outside of medical research studies. Their accuracy has been questioned, and they don't answer questions as to whether or not someone has an active infection, if it's transmittable, or if it's the cause of any symptoms.

I hope this helps!

Best,
Fredo

_________________
ASHA Moderator

Hi Fredo,

Thanks for your reply.

I do have a few more questions please.

I read that, when applied on GW, aldara often causes burning/irritation/itches. Do we know why do these symptom happen ? It sounds awful similar to what I feel for months. itches followed by irritation of the area followed by burning sensation.. and I wonder whether it's the virus or maybe the response of the immunity system ?

I don't have warts, but I do have those irritations for more than half a year, and they all began shortly after a sexual contact. what else could it be besides HPV ? I really want to solve it. This Taipei clinic offers HPV tests for men using swabs of the area, and some medicine, if the tests are positive. They say it cures 90% of the patients (validated by retesting for the virus presence again after the treatment ends). I think the name of the medicine is "purine derivatives", i'm still trying to get more information on it but it seems there is not much, and the little that there is is very hard to understand. googling it with "hpv" does find cryptic patents that claim this thing can treat a very big bunch of viruses, including HPV types 1-55. It also seem this name is actually a name for a family of treatments. I'm not sure. Maybe do you know something about this term ? If I'll find out anything I'll post it here.

Thanks again
pave

Hi Fredo (and everyone),

Meanwhile symptoms are changing: I can definately feel something annoying inside the respiratory throat, especially when I breathe. There's a constant, yet gentle (I can mostly resist it) urge to cough. In addition the anus itch is more dominant, somewhat painful at times. But's it feels inside the colon, not really on the anus. The other itches (thigh, groin, scrotum) are still there, but less dominant. I can feel them everyday, but I either got used or they got softer.

I know there's no reason to go to another doctor again - as long as there's nothing visible, they won't do anything. besides, there's nothing really anything they can do about HPV besides cosmethic treatments.

I definately want to give the purine derivative a chance. Can you please tell me if you heard of it ?

Thanks

hello-

i just read your post and string of questions/replies. was wondering if you have been to a dermatologist for testing?

i am certainly not a physician or anything- but do know that some people have a yeast or bacterial skin fungus or condition that can contribute to itching/burning in the "delicate" skin areas.

just an idea- hope you are feeling better soon. not sure about a trip to another counrty for treatment-- but a nice relaxing vacation (now we are talking!)

take care

hey chica,

it may sound crazy but I already been to 3(!) dermatologists.

they all say that if there are no visible signs, I have nothing.

my problem with it is that (1) I'm certain this claim is bogus, by reading stuff off the web (2) what I feel is very much real. I know my body very well and this is something new.

i wish there was some definitive test for either HPV or fungus but I am not aware of any...

thanks so much for your note.

all the best

you are welcome. sometimes the body just fights things and keeps them at bay- and happily enough keeps you well but a little out of wack for a time.

there are some non-traditional approaches to help with the anxiety you may want to consider. now i am not taking about snake oil and voodo (smile)- and certainly not an alternative to basic medical care.

are you near an alternative or chinese medicine provider? may get a consultation session (i think about $ 150)- can suggest diet changes to help your body cope with allergens and rebalancing things in a natural way. (ps- yes they look at your tounge for a long time during an evaluation- sort of funny but your eyes and mouth are one of the only organs they can see outside your body- so kinda of makes sense?)

it sure feels like the field of doctors are really "medical practicing" on us some times. they certainly don't know our bodies better that we do and go by observable science and typical patterns.

a few more ideas for the stress stuff-- yoga, ray kee (sorry don't know how to spell correctly), meditation. some local communities offer these at a very low fee if any.

i understand this doesnt help the immediate concern but can be helpful when all else looks so scary. give each a week or so and see what YOU find helpful and worthwhile?

hope you are feeling better soon. take care

sorry- had another thought

there is a test for yeast or bacterial skin testing-- they take a scraping and look under the microscope or send to a lab.

may consider food allergy stuff-- as weird as this sounds irritation in the genitals, mouth, etc is a sign and symptom too.

not to get to detailed-- but do you take any allergy meds? if not, your local pharmacist could recommend a simple over the counter to try for week. (ex: zyrtec)

I haven't heard of it, no, so sorry I can't offer any insights here. Please just keep in mind there is no medical cure for HPV, and get some solid advice from a medical professional before starting anything new.

Keep in touch!
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator

Thanks you so much for your replies chica and Fredo.

I'm quoting a patent I found about this purine derivative:

"The compounds of the invention are useful for treatment of microbial infections, for treatment of tumours or for other indications described below. Microbial infections treatable by the compounds of this invention include viruses, parasites, yeast and fungi, but it is believed that the compounds are most effective against viruses, which constitutes the preferred utility. Exemplary viral infections include infections caused by DNA or RNA viruses including herpesviruses (herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), HHV-7, HHV-8, bovine herpesvirus type 1, equine herpesvirus type 1, papillomaviruses (HPV types 1-55, including carcinogenic HPV), flaviviruses (including yellow fever virus, African swine fever virus and Japanese encephalitis virus), togaviruses (including Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus), influenza viruses (types A-C), retroviruses (HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, SIV, FeLV, FIV, MoMSV), adenoviruses (types 1-8), poxyiruses (vaccinia virus), enteroviruses (poliovirus types 1-3, Coxsackie, hepatitis A virus, and ECHO virus), gastroenteritis viruses (Norwalk viruses, rotaviruses), hantaviruses (Hantaan virus), polyomavirus, papovaviruses, rhinoviruses, parainfluenza virus types 1-4, rabies virus, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), hepatitis viruses A, B, C and E, and the like."

I am no health specialist but this certainly sounds good. This is the link:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2003/0187261.html

Unfortunately I haven't found any webpage which clearly discuss this thing (medicine ?). Only obscure patents.. I guess I need to find a real researcher to get real feedback about this. Not so easy. Oh well.

chica - thank you for your suggestions. I will try to find some private clinic who is willing to do this test you mention. The public clinics I've been to don't have this - all they could offer is trying to raise yeast on a brush that was swabbed on my tongue, but the result was negative.
I've actually began doing yoga after this thing began.. I found it really helpful! good idea ! I tried changing my diet too. It's hard to tell, but I think it did have a positive effect on me. I'll stick to it.

Thanks again and take care !

I did the extra mile and flew to Taipei.

I went to this private clinic who specializes in STD. They have HPV DNA tests, even for males. They just swab you (nonintrusive, just like brushing the skin) for cell sampling and send to the lab. They are professional and super nice. I am truly amazed by their attitude and competent. For HPV-positives, they offer a "purine derivative" medicine. They say it's like aldara but works systematically (probably interferons ?). They say it clears the infection with 90% success (success is declared if DNA tests afterwards are negative). They say the medicine is from the states, but it is not (yet?) FDA approved.

What were the results?

All tests came back negative. While I was there, Dr. Chen said the white patch on the upper lip might be fungus related. He didn't recommend any medicine for that though, and now, after the tests are back, he doesn't want to prescribe me the "purine derivative" medicine. I am sure that the results might be false negatives, but that is not very likely, given that I took 3 tests of 3 symptomatic areas. maybe It is yeast infection or any other fungus related infection due to my low white blood count and the antibiotics I took a few months back. I have another supporting evidence for that - I went to a doctor to check my throat. while he couldn't see anything that might cause the respiratory itch I have, he said he can clearly see a bit of fungus on the back of my tongue, but he didn't think it requires any treatment.

Some more info about the HPV DNA results:

You get an official letter which tells you the exact strain you have.

My results (I took 3 tests for 3 different locations) said that "There is no HPV DNA response (DNA <500 copies / μl)".

They also check that enough body cells have been collected in the swabbing. According to the documents I got, the test's classification include:
(1), high-risk type: the first 16,18,26,31,33,35,37,39,45,51,52,53,56,58,59,66,67,68,69,82, MM4 such as type.
(2), low-risk type: the first 6,11,40,42,43,44,54,61,62,70,72,74, CP8061 and CP8304, such as type.
(3), the unknown risk of type: No. 32,55,81, MM7, MM8 and type, such as L1AE5.