Question:
I've set up an appointment to see a doctor tomorrow but I wanted a few opinions before I went in.

I recently had a very violent onslaught of cold sores, so bad to the point that when crusted over I couldn't open my mouth without tearing skin. A week in to my breakout I noticed redness on the shaft of my penis and near the tip. It was blotchy near the tip and in a straight line on the shaft. It's maybe four or five days later and the redness hasn't changed but a bit. The area can get itchy when rubbed or irritated but I never find myself itching unless it's been handled. My question is, does this seem like an outbreak of herpes? Especially my very first one?

Answer:
could very well be the first outbreak......sounds very much like how some experience it. I get redness and itching sometimes as my only symptoms ....other times it is more pronounced- rash like and redness all over. So, yes it is very possible it is your first outbreak down below.....

did anything happen to lower your immune system....stress, were you sick a week before or anything because for the oral outbreak to be that severe your body's resistance was very low....hence, allowing the virus to finally show down below as well. Just a thought....very possible. It is symptoms like you described in the genital region that people do not recognize as herpes much of the time..