Are these cuts herpes or chafing? Please help.

[Kaysha1]

Hi Terri,

I have severe health anxiety about herpes and want to know if these lesions I have look herpetic. I’ll preface this by saying that I have been tested via Herpeselect numerous times for HSV1 and HSV2 and have been negative every time. I also once had a Western Blot done by Westover Heights and it was negative for both types as well. My only partner (long term, monogamous) and only possible exposure, also has been tested prior to any sexual contact and was also negative for HSV1 and HSV2. No history of cold sores for either of us (and the herpes testing seemingly confirms we’re not infected with HSV1). I also don’t engage in oral sex with my partner so if this is somehow herpes I have NO idea how I could have gotten it.

Yesterday, I shaved my bikini area stubble in the morning and during the afternoon went for a long walk. It was a hot afternoon and I was sweating. Halfway through the walk, I noticed irritation that felt like chafing on my labia majora. When I got home I went and looked and noticed red irritated skin. I had no irritation prior to my walk. The area that is affected rubs against the other side of my labia, so it’s very possible this is a friction burn. However, what scares me is that there are perfectly linear “cuts” now in that area. I don’t remember cutting myself shaving at all, but maybe I did and the walk irritated the cuts so that I noticed them. They are not open anymore, but have scabbed over and are healing very quickly. I’m terrified because it’s the weekend and I can’t get in to see my gynecologist for a swab or anything!

The cuts have been there for less than 24 hours now. Can you please take a look and tell me what you think? I’ve never had anything like this before. You can see the little linear cuts on the side of my labia majora. I don’t have any swollen nodes, no fever, and no other symptoms or “internal lesions.” Just those cuts over where I would have shaved, and where the one side rubs against the other. Image: http://imgur.com/RqXKS01.

• This topic was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Kaysha1.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Kaysha1.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Kaysha1.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Kaysha1.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Kaysha1.

[Kaysha1]

Here is a more recent photo of the cuts. Six hours after the first photo. They’re healing pretty fast but I’m still scared: http://imgur.com/HhumVzE

[Terri Warren]

The most recent photo that you posted looks nothing whatsoever like genital herpes. Nothing!
I think you should believe your test results and your partner’s test results and try to stop worrying about contracting herpes.

Terri

[Kaysha1]

Thank you Terri. However, you said the most recent photo doesn’t look anything like herpes…but what about the first? I’m scared still because there has only been a 6 hour difference between the two, and I had been putting antibacterial ointment on it. My friend, who is a lab researcher who does work with herpes, said they look like razor cuts, because they are so precisely linear, which definitely isn’t like herpes. Coulda herpes lesion just heal over as fast as mine did? I am still extremely frightened. Almost to the point of panick.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Kaysha1.
• This reply was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Kaysha1.

[Terri Warren]

I was unable to view the first picture until now, and no, it doesn’t look like herpes either. And no, brand new herpes in a person who is negative for both HSV 1 and 2 would be more remarkable. And no, herpes would not heal this quickly. I’m confused about your concerns – didn’t you say you both tested negative by western blot?

Terri

[Kaysha1]

I was tested by WB but my boyfriend was not-just the herpeselect. I’m scared he has some latent infection I could have contracted a while ago that just now presented itself. We have been together for 3 years.

[Terri Warren]

Then how about if you get him tested by the western blot so you don’t have to keep worrying? I think that would make you life far better!

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Terri

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