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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Herpes questions
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Herpes questions
by ConfusedJ, Oct 22, 2004 12:00AM
Exactly 2 weeks after having unprotected sex, I noticed a small red pimple on the underside of my penis. There was no pain or irritation and none of the classic herpes symptoms were observed. However I decided to get tested for herpes, The test was done about a month after noticing the infected area. There was no sore at the time so a blood test was done. The type of test was a type specific herpes select test. The results showed that I was positive for HSV-2 and negative for HSV-1.
I found these results puzzling because about 6 years ago I had an oral herpes outbreak (cole sore) in the corner of my mouth. Over the next two years I had 2 or 3 re-occuring outbreaks in the exact same location. Everything I have read indicates that it is next to impossible to have re-occuring HSV-2 outbreaks orally. Indicating that the outbreaks that I was experiencing must have been HSV-1.
1.
How is it possible that I tested negative for HSV-1, I thought the virus stays in your system for life even if outbreaks are no longer occuring? Is it possible for your system to clear its self of the herpes virus and the antibodies that were produced? or is it possible that somehow I had oral HSV-2 and the antibodies are still present causing my test to be positive?
2.
How soon after infection with HSV-2 can someone transmit the virus.
3.
If I infact have HSV-2, why am I not showing any of the classic symptoms? Is it because my immune system is more capable of dealing with the virus or is it because I was exposed to the virus at a low level? causing my body to produce antibodies without showing symptoms?
4. What is the timeline for the HSV-2 virus? does it go through several different stages? I understand that it infects the nerve ganglion and eventually harbors itself during a latent period in the spinal column. Does this happen immediatly upon contraction of the virus or does it happen over the course of several months? Is it possible that after 2 months I am in a transition period where my body still has a chance to fight off the virus before it has infected the nerves of the spinal column where it will remain for ever.
5. Eventhough I am not showing any symptoms, would it be beneficial in any way to take a herpes medication like valtrex?
I know this is a lot of questions, but I am very worried and confused right now, any help you can offer would be appreciated.
Thank you,
I found these results puzzling because about 6 years ago I had an oral herpes outbreak (cole sore) in the corner of my mouth. Over the next two years I had 2 or 3 re-occuring outbreaks in the exact same location. Everything I have read indicates that it is next to impossible to have re-occuring HSV-2 outbreaks orally. Indicating that the outbreaks that I was experiencing must have been HSV-1.
1.
How is it possible that I tested negative for HSV-1, I thought the virus stays in your system for life even if outbreaks are no longer occuring? Is it possible for your system to clear its self of the herpes virus and the antibodies that were produced? or is it possible that somehow I had oral HSV-2 and the antibodies are still present causing my test to be positive?
2.
How soon after infection with HSV-2 can someone transmit the virus.
3.
If I infact have HSV-2, why am I not showing any of the classic symptoms? Is it because my immune system is more capable of dealing with the virus or is it because I was exposed to the virus at a low level? causing my body to produce antibodies without showing symptoms?
4. What is the timeline for the HSV-2 virus? does it go through several different stages? I understand that it infects the nerve ganglion and eventually harbors itself during a latent period in the spinal column. Does this happen immediatly upon contraction of the virus or does it happen over the course of several months? Is it possible that after 2 months I am in a transition period where my body still has a chance to fight off the virus before it has infected the nerves of the spinal column where it will remain for ever.
5. Eventhough I am not showing any symptoms, would it be beneficial in any way to take a herpes medication like valtrex?
I know this is a lot of questions, but I am very worried and confused right now, any help you can offer would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 22, 2004 12:00AM
, Oct 22, 2004 12:00AM
1. Don't know. Maybe a lab error. You can repeat if you want, though it wouldn't change anything.
2. Within a few days, though there is relatively little virus being shed when there is no active sore, making transmission harder though not impossible.
3. Some people get few or no visible recurrences. That's just the way it is, and doesn't imply any immune deficiency, nor does it say anything about the level of virus encountered.
4. If you have the virus, you have it. There is no transitional phase.
5. Valtrex reduces the amount of viral shedding, making transmission harder, though again not impossible.
If I were you, I'd repeat the herpes 2 test, making sure that the test used is type-specific, glycoprotein-based (see www.herpesdiagnosis.com for details.) If the diagnosis is confirmed, you may want to access some herpes counseling in your area, so you don't worry more than you have to.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
2. Within a few days, though there is relatively little virus being shed when there is no active sore, making transmission harder though not impossible.
3. Some people get few or no visible recurrences. That's just the way it is, and doesn't imply any immune deficiency, nor does it say anything about the level of virus encountered.
4. If you have the virus, you have it. There is no transitional phase.
5. Valtrex reduces the amount of viral shedding, making transmission harder, though again not impossible.
If I were you, I'd repeat the herpes 2 test, making sure that the test used is type-specific, glycoprotein-based (see www.herpesdiagnosis.com for details.) If the diagnosis is confirmed, you may want to access some herpes counseling in your area, so you don't worry more than you have to.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by pandora9048, Oct 22, 2004 12:00AM
To: confused
Hi, just wanted to let u know there is a new forum for sexually transmitted diseases by med help now.
