Herpes and the detection of

My questions are as follows. How long after exposure do you need to wait before gential (genital) herpes can be diagnosed and what tests should be carried out to determine this. Is this a blood test, a swab or what?

I have some white spots on my lips which I think are Fordyce's condition, these were not there before, or I did not notice these before. I have no pain associated with these, but they are concerning me as I have read that these are also potentially caused by a viral infection all be it not herpes.

I have a partner and need to prevent passing on of genital herpes if that is indeed what this is.

My exposure was 3rd October 2007, unprotected vaginal sex upon a woman of unknown status also unprotected oral sex upon the female. Can you give me some guidlines here.

Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You need a herpes 2 IgG blood test.  That generally is reliable 3 months after exposure.  Use a condom during sex while you are waiting for the results.  In fact, use a condom anyway.  Fordyce spots are oil glands.  They are not viral.  When you see a skin doctor to order the herpes titer, have him or her check the Fordyce spots to be sure that's what they are.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[slacker101]

There's an STD thread on this site that has a Doctor who is an STD Expert..

[SkinJ]

Thanks slacker101 - not sure how you redirect the question then?

[SkinJ]

Hi can you direct this to the correct forum, sorry if this is not the case.

Thanks,

[slacker101]

Not sure but Doctor Hansfield over there at STD is awesome and knows more about STD's than anyone you will ever meet!!

[SkinJ]

Thanks. I will look at organising that test for the 12 week mark. I am abstaining from sex as I am worried about more than Herpes. The Fordyce spots are my own diagnosis given a dig around the Internet, I will ask the nurse for his opion on Monday of next week as I am also undergoing a series of Hep B vaccinations and will see them then.

Thanks for telling me which test to ask for. I take it as I requested and had a test at 27 days, that test will not be accurate. That test came back negative. I don't have the exact details of what kind of test that was other than they took a swab from my mouth a burst blister on the inside of my mouth / cheek. I am awaiting written confirmation of that test and will hopefully know the kind of test that was performed.

[slacker101]

Herpes Blisters happen on the outside of the mouth, not the inside

[slacker101]

Herpes Blisters happen on the outside of the mouth, not the inside

[slacker101]

Herpes Blisters happen on the outside of the mouth, not the inside

[SkinJ]

Well that was my understanding of Herpes too, however I have read that there are many ways this thing can show itself, or not at all. I have something on my lips that could be Fordyce spots, Herpes or something else or none of the above. I have a sore throat .......worry and a lot things on my mind. I will have the test at 12 weeks along with another test. I am going to ask the nurse today as it happens when I have my Hep B vaccination injection at the GUM clinic. I am hoping they can at least give me some clue.

[slacker101]

I don't think it's herpes but definitely let us know....