Low positive hsv2 iGg

[christinand]

Terri,

I recently did a routine std checkup for peace of mind and before starting a new relationship. (My last sexual encounter was about 2 months ago at this point, and I had first been with that person in January of this year so about 4 months ago now.) I requested to be tested for hsv1 as I’ve been having these 1, sometimes 2 spots on my lip that have been coming and going (in the same 2 spots) since probably December in which I had not had any new partners in a long time, and I’m not convinced they’re herpes- it actually more resembles contact cheilitis since I stumbled upon that (although it tingles sometimes, also itches, sometimes has tiny little bumps but that could be attributed to me itching it, and after a while it becomes a larger area of dry skin (not scab) around it that flakes/peels off.) Anyway, the clinic called me to tell me I’m hsv-2 positive (!!!) I’ve never had any symptoms and have never thought I might be. I also was unaware they even tested that. I did a ton of research on hsv and called back to find out what test was done and the result- they told me it was iGg and hsv2 was 1.72. She also said she didn’t see that I was tested for hsv1 (?). I wouldn’t consider myself to be low risk as I’ve had my share of unprotected sexual encounters but I really hope it was a false positive. I’ve already scheduled an e-visit with you and plan on doing the WB for confirmation/denial. My questions in the mean time are:

1. how often are hsv2 iGg low positives indeed positive when tested with WB?
2. Does a herpes outbreak tend to follow its normal course of action and then go away until next time? Because this thing I have going on with my lip (vermilion border) seems to be pretty consistently present.

Thank you!

Christina

[Terri Warren]

At your index value, there’s probably a 70% chance that this is a false positive.
Yes, herpes outbreaks follow a normal course of redness, blistering, ulcer, crusting and then new skin is formed. Something that is continually present is unlikely to be herpes.

Terri

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