Positive Genital HSV 1 & 2

[DedeD]

Hi Terri,

I’d like more info on my diagnosis, which was Oct. 31.

Background:
I used Nair Hair Removal, all over my body on Sept. 30. Days later I noticed burned/irritated skin. As it healed, some hair follicles (elbows, thighs) were raised/rashy. I treated them and they healed normally. I also noticed some irritation down below – Being African American, I’m used to hair bumps, even on my bum, especially after shaving/waving. I removed those hair bumps and treated them. They were a bit more painful but I assumed it was due to an infection from Nair.

In that time, a lymph node in my groin became swollen. I used “doctor Google,” which said infected hair can cause it to swell. Well, a week or two went by and it had gone down but was still there.

To be sure, I got it checked out. I had covered my healing sores in bandages and the doc asked if she could take a look. Upon on visual, she it could be herpes.

My results are:
HSV 1 Antibody – 61.70 Index (IgG)
HSV 2 Antibody – 2.25 Index (IgG)

HSV Antibody
Type 1/2, IgM – 1.26 IV

Performed by: PathGroups Labs, LLC

Noted: I have never had any oral cold sores. I have struggled with eczema, but no chicken pox, shingles, etc – that I’m aware. My husband had chicken pox as a kid.

The doctor prescribed me ACY but I haven’t taken any, as I don’t have any symptoms. I feel some tingling and soreness kinda in my legs and back, but I workout a lot, so that’s normally too. Hehe. The lymph has gone down but I still “feel” it. It doesn’t cause any pain.

My sores healed completely like a normal hair bump, honestly.

Questions:
Is the 2 resulted influenced the high 1?

Since 1 is so high, how long could I have had this?

Did I get Genital HSV 1 from a partner with oral HSV-1?

My husband and I are completely up for paying for the Western Blot at your discretion.

Thank you SO much.

[Terri Warren]

You are certainly infected with HSV 1 and it isn’t possible to know if your infection is oral or genital without a lesion to swab test.
Your HSV 1 index value could certainly be influencing your HSV 2 index value, yes.
With your index value, the CDC says you most definitely need a western blot to clarify your HSV 2 status. Has your husband been tested?

Terri

[DedeD]

Terri, thank you.

He’s getting tested this week.

Rare question: I was injected with the RhoGam shot. Would that have any influence on the HSV 1 index value?

[Terri Warren]

No, that would not impact either the HSV 1 or HSV 2 results.

Terri

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