Herpes on Arm

[justwondering123]

Hi – I was recently diagnosed with HSV2 via a blood test. I have never had oral or genital outbreaks, but I do get breakouts of a cluster of blisters on my upper right arm about every six months or so. I was originally told that it was shingles, but now that I have been diagnosed my doctor says that HSV2 is likely what it is. My question is am I only contagious on my arm where the outbreaks are or do I need to be concerned about spreading the virus sexually? I have had this for years unknowingly and I always keep it covered when it’s breaking out. The outbreaks are very minimal and have gotten much smaller and only last a week or so. I am just very confused about this as it is in such an unusual spot, so I don’t quite understand what it means in regard to transmitting it to someone else or what the risks are. Thank you!

[Terri Warren]

This could be herpes – I have seen it one other time on an arm – but you need to have it swab tested the next time it comes up and right at the beginning of an outbreak. What was the index value on the antibody test?

The arm would not shed virus other than with outbreaks if this is the location of the outbreak. The skin is too thick.
However, we know that 95% of the time, people who test positive on an antibody test shed virus from the genital – at least from the genitals. So even if the arm thing is herpes, and the testing is correct, I think you should assume that you also have it genitally. This is also the CDC guidance

Terri

[justwondering123]

Thank you for your response. I’ll be sure to get my arm tested next time it breaks out, and to answer your question I do not know the index value of my test but I go back to my doctor next week so I will ask her then.

I do have a question regarding symptoms and anxiety. Since the diagnosis it is just about all I can think about and I constantly stress. Five days ago I was on a long drive and started to feel like my arm was tingling and then started to feel the same tingling all over my bikini area. It is not painful, just enough to know it’s there but becomes more pronounced the more I think about it. I had a little redness last night but other than that it’s just been this constant tingle for 5 days. Does this seem like a prodrome symptom/outbreak or could this be in my head? I’ve read a ton of articles and it seems like nearly a week of this same symptom is not normal. When I’m distracted I don’t notice it but when I have idle time I obsess over it. Any insight would be much appreciated.

[Terri Warren]

I think it is more likely that this is in your head. Let’s get the index value of your positive test so we can sort out if you even have herpes for certain or not. Are you okay with that?

Terri

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