GHV1- breakouts vs. typical skin rashes/bumps

[kimmie]

I am 50 year female diagnosed with GHSV-1 via swab a little over a year ago, my first outbreak. Never had a cold sore before, so I’m assuming this was a new infection for me.

I have had roughly 3 breakouts since, plus sometimes a rash/mild skin irritation (evenly distributed at bottom of buttocks, both sides) and/or the random pimple here or there, located in the general vicinity of my perineum.

These symptoms are not bothersome to me at all, but I am now in a relationship and thus am very concerned about passing this along to my boyfriend. As of 6 weeks ago I started taking daily Valtrex for my suppressive therapy. I have seen no changes whatsoever in my skin since I got on the meds; the rash/minor skin irritation still comes and goes, and as of 8 days ago I have another random bump, with magnifying mirror looks like a pimple or blister. Not painful at all, doesn’t itch, no irritation. Didn’t crust over, just seems to be slowly drying up.

Does either the rash or this bump sound like potential outbreaks to you? My partner does know of my situation, but of course I want to protect him as much as possible.

Please advise and thank you!

• This topic was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by kimmie.
• This topic was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by kimmie. Reason: to correct typos
• This topic was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by kimmie. Reason: to correct typos

[Terri Warren]

The rash that you describe on both buttocks does not sound like herpes to me, no. usually with recurrences, people get them on one side only. And the fact that the medicine doesn’t make any difference also suggests that are not herpetic.

In terms of your partner – if your partner is close to you in age, there is an excellent chance that he is already infected with HSV 1. Has he actually been tested to know if he has HSV 1? have you asked if he has ever had a cold sore on his mouth? If he is infected, it would certainly make your sex life easier!

Terri

[kimmie]

Thank you.

In answer to your question, yes he is my age, and yes I inquired about his status. He thought he remembered having cold sores as a kid inside of mouth, but I’ve learned recently those were more likely canker sores, not HSV-1. I will ask if he ever had breakout on face or lips, and suggest a blood test if not.

What do you think about the one lone pimple I originally mentioned being herpes? It’s been almost 2 weeks since I first noticed it. It is shrinking to almost nothing, but not really drying up as a normal herpes sore does. Was never painful, never itchy, nor irritated. Do you think this sounds like a herpes sore?

And one last question- since my first outbreak was so bad, is it then safe to assume that was my initial exposure? If so, since swab confirmed HSV-1, does that mean I had low probability of already having HSV-2? I didn’t get blood test, just the swab.

Thanks for offering your expertise here, it means a lot.

[Terri Warren]

Something that lasts for two weeks, as recurrent disease, is unlikely to be HSV 1.
People who have HSV 2 don’t get new HSV 1 subsequently, no. HSV 2 protects against new HSV 1 though the reverse is not true. If you want to know if you have HSV 2, you could get the antibody test. But if you are positive for HSV 2, then either you had the HSV 1 all along before you get HSV 2 or the typing of your initial swab was an error.

Terri

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