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STDs (Expert Forum)
HSV Leg Pain?
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
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This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
HSV Leg Pain?
by ben30, Mar 28, 2005 12:00AM
I was diagnised with HSV 1 and 2 about a month ago. Along with a sore, raw area, that has not healed (and I have been on Valtrex for two weeks),I have had almost continual inner leg pain on both sides. I have gotten mixed messages as to if this leg pain is related to my condition, others have experienced similar symtoms. Will the Valtrex eventually take this away, along with the continual raw soar area(very small bumps)? How long must I wait? I have read this could be Neorological? Any thoughts, I am desperate at this point...
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Mar 28, 2005 12:00AM
, Mar 28, 2005 12:00AM
The continuing sore, raw area is almost certainly not due to herpes; if it were, it would have cleared up by now on valacyclovir (Valtrex). In addition, your symptoms don't sound much like herpes.
As to the inner leg pain, I can't say much. The neuropathic pain caused by HSV usually isn't symmetrical, i.e. would be unlikely to involve both thighs.
So I am skeptical of the herpes diagnosis. How was it made? If not confirmed by a reliable lab test, I would return to your health care provider (or a different one) for proper testing.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
As to the inner leg pain, I can't say much. The neuropathic pain caused by HSV usually isn't symmetrical, i.e. would be unlikely to involve both thighs.
So I am skeptical of the herpes diagnosis. How was it made? If not confirmed by a reliable lab test, I would return to your health care provider (or a different one) for proper testing.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Thanks
The antiherpetic drugs are very benign, with almost no side effects (except on the wallet). So if your HSV-2 blood test is positive and the symptoms are bothersome, it might be reasonable to ask your doctor to prescribe suppressive therapy with acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir for 2-3 months and see if the pain improves. But don't expect a magical response.
HHH, MD