Herpes that wont quit...

[aj123]

Im fairly sure I have HSV2, Ive never been tested for it, but I've had outbreaks with the classic symptoms on and off for years (small bump sometimes slightly itchy turns into painless mild flat red lesion, gets scaly goes away)  but recently I've had recurrent outbreaks for 5 months straight!  Since December!  I have 6 different red lesions right now, theyre painless, on the shaft of my penis, but they just never seem to disappear.  I've been tested for HIV and syphilis and Im negative, and I've been on either famvir (tried it for a month) and now valtrex for about a month, but so far no luck.  Is there any other STD that closely resembles herpes?  Have you ever heard of outbreaks lasting this long?  Is there another treatment option I should consider?  Please help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It is possible to get frequent recurrences of herpes after a long period of not getting them very often.  Having said that, I don't know for sure that you have herpes--Valtrex and Famvir, while not infallible, do a pretty good job of suppressing herpes, and they aren't working for you.  If you've had HIV and syphilis tests, why not get a herpes 2 test as well, just to be more certain?  How about a herpes culture when one of the new lesions breaks out?  Finally, a skin biopsy could be contemplated.  It isn't inconceivable that this is not an STD but rather a recurrent skin disease.  Your doctor should do what it takes to be more certain.  If it does turn out to be herpes, the frequent recurrences would suggest that you take Valtrex all the time, to prevent at least most recurrences--safe and quite effective.  (You've been on it for a month--perhaps it is working, and what you're seeing is the skin pigmentation that recurring herpes leaves on the skin, which can last quite some time.)

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[The_Rajah]

I'm not a doctor, so take my comments for what they are worth..

I really think you should get tested so you have a better idea of what's going on. While there are a few people who have strains of HSV that are T-K resistant and don't respond to antivirals, the majority of people do find that they help. If you have active sores, then get a type-specific culture done right away on a sample from a sore. The timing is important so that you get it while it is "fresh". Otherwise, get a good type-specific blood test like the Focus Labs HerpeSelect.

I hope this helps a bit while you wait for the doctor to respond.

[aj123]

Well, I've been to my G.P. about it a couple times and she's pretty sure its herpes.  She says there is no blood test for herpes and she'd have to swab an active sore.  The thing is, mine dont really ooze any fluid or have a very distinct active blister-like stage, so i dont think the test would come back positive, its more like a tiny bump that turns into a dry redish painless small patch of skin.  Doctors can diagnose herpes just by looking at it and having the patient describe the symptoms.  They dont really bother me except the anxiety of having them all the time.  From what I've read people who have herpes as constantly as I do should have full blown AIDS (which also freaks me out), but Im negative and was tested 20 days ago while the outbreaks have been lasting 6 months.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There is a blood test for herpes.  You really need a proper diagnosis, and you really don't need to worrry about AIDS.

Dr. Rockoff

[ugh124]

There is a blood test for herpes but according to my OBGYN, practically 98% of the population will test positive for it. If you have ever had a cold sore or come in contact with someone who has you probably carry it. Sounds like herpes to me. I unfortunately got it unsuspectingly last year from someone showing NO signs at all. My advice to people out there is get Valtrex (500mg) and stay on it for 6 months. It keeps it away! Also, think twice BEFORE having sex with someone with sores on their body.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your ObGyn is not correct.  There are reliable HSV 2 tessts available today.  They can be helpful in both diagnosis and reassurance.

Dr. Rockoff

[aj123]

I went to a dermatologist and he has suggested it may be psoriasis and has put me on a steroid cream, I'll let you know if it works.  I asked him about a blood test and he also said there was no blood test for herpes- seems like its not common practice for some reason.  He says he would perfer to culture it but i dont really get the blisters to culture.  Thanks for your advice to go see a specialist, at least I feel like Im barking up the right tree.