dermatographic urticaria and sun sensitivity

[kjk30@yahoo.com]

Hello Terri,
I was on a 500mg daily suppression protocol of valacyclovir for HSV-2. I took this from June 2021-June 2022. About 4-6 weeks after stopping the drug, I developed dermatographic urticaria, dry eyes, and full body sun sensitivity.

I saw my PCP, two dermatologists, and an allergist/immunologists to no avail. I always mentioned the valacyclovir and herpes but no one seemed to think this was connected. The allergist did patch testing and there were a few substances I reacted to…nothing off the charts and I have never had sensitive skin before. Honestly, I think my skin is so unhappy right now (as evidenced by the dermatographic urticaria), that it would react to the touch of cotton. My gut tells me this is not the problem.

This all started in August 2022 and have gotten little to no relief. The winter was MAYBE a bit better but I am in Florida now and the sun has put me right back where I was in August, despite removing all the identified patch testing chemicals from my routine.

All my blood work, including autoimmune indicators, have been good or negative.

Most of the doctors just want to put me on an antihistamine and cal it a day. I would like to get to the root of the issue and address it.

One other element…I did take a bergamot supplement about the same time all this began. It is my understanding this can sometimes cause sun sensitivity, but it has been five months since I took any.

My question is, do you think the valacyclovir or HSV-2 is to blame? Is my body back to fighting the infection itself and these are the reactions? Would I be better to start retaking the drug? I did not have this issue last winter when I was in Florida and I was taking the drug then.

Thank you so much for you thoughts on the situation.

[Terri Warren]

I do not believe that valacyclovir is to blame for your skin issues, no. I also don’t think the herpes itself has anything to do with this skin reaction.

I don’t see a problem with starting the drug again to see what happens.

Terri

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