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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Is it possible that my Grover's disease caused my body to produce antibodies that would result in a positive test for herpes?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Is it possible that my Grover's disease caused my body to produce antibodies that would result in a positive test for herpes?
by George560, Apr 16, 2009 07:24PM
Hello, I am a 36 year old male who was diagnosed with Grover's disease 12 years ago. The condition flucuates between being somewhat noticeable and very unsightly/obvious. Whatever the case, there is always some form of the Grover's present.
My girlfriend and I agreed to get tested for STDs recently. To my absolute shock, I came back positive for type 1 and 2 herpes. I have never had a lesions on my gentials and have never had a cold sore, so I was shocked to hear this news and continue to be very confused. As I read more about herpes, it sounded similar to my grover's -- at least, in that they both involve lesions. I understand that my blood test for herpes involved testing for antibodies that the body may be producing to fight the virus.
At the time of my STD bloodwork, my grover's disease was very inflammed. SO MY QUESTION IS THIS:
Is there any way that my body, in trying to suppress/fight my grover's disease, produced antibodies that could result in a positive testing for Herpes 1 and 2? Another way of phrasing the question is whether the antibodies tested in the herpes test is specific to herpes and only produced by the body when faced by herpes.
My girlfriend and I agreed to get tested for STDs recently. To my absolute shock, I came back positive for type 1 and 2 herpes. I have never had a lesions on my gentials and have never had a cold sore, so I was shocked to hear this news and continue to be very confused. As I read more about herpes, it sounded similar to my grover's -- at least, in that they both involve lesions. I understand that my blood test for herpes involved testing for antibodies that the body may be producing to fight the virus.
At the time of my STD bloodwork, my grover's disease was very inflammed. SO MY QUESTION IS THIS:
Is there any way that my body, in trying to suppress/fight my grover's disease, produced antibodies that could result in a positive testing for Herpes 1 and 2? Another way of phrasing the question is whether the antibodies tested in the herpes test is specific to herpes and only produced by the body when faced by herpes.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 16, 2009 11:33PM
, Apr 16, 2009 11:33PMTo: George560
No, there is no way your Grover's disease could be connected to herpes antibodies in your blood.
Having herpes type 1 antibodies means nothing--just that you had a cold sore somewhere sometime. But a herpes 2 antibody does strongly suggest that you have genital herpes. Perhaps you had a mild outbreak you didn't notice. So the first thing you should do is have herpes 2 test repeated, so see whether the first test was accurate. Second, find out whether your girlfriend is also herpes 2 positive. If she isn't, and if the second herpes 2 test is also positive, then you should use condoms all the time, because you can shed herpes virus even between visible outbreaks. The antibodies are evidence that you had exposure; they are not "fighting off the virus."
You and your girlfriend will benefit from counseling about herpes--once you are clear about where both of you stand--so that you won't worry about things you don't need to worry about.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Having herpes type 1 antibodies means nothing--just that you had a cold sore somewhere sometime. But a herpes 2 antibody does strongly suggest that you have genital herpes. Perhaps you had a mild outbreak you didn't notice. So the first thing you should do is have herpes 2 test repeated, so see whether the first test was accurate. Second, find out whether your girlfriend is also herpes 2 positive. If she isn't, and if the second herpes 2 test is also positive, then you should use condoms all the time, because you can shed herpes virus even between visible outbreaks. The antibodies are evidence that you had exposure; they are not "fighting off the virus."
You and your girlfriend will benefit from counseling about herpes--once you are clear about where both of you stand--so that you won't worry about things you don't need to worry about.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
