Herpes?

[Shallmark]

For almost six years, I've had a small area on my right arm that has blistered in little clusters.  It always just went away and over time I would notice the cold like symptoms a few hours before an outbreak.  Earlier this year, I got horrible sores in my mouth along with the rash on my arm. I finally had the blisters on my arm cultured to show herpes simplex.  About a week after the culture, I developed pox like blisters over my entire body, my arms the worst.  I've got a fever, sore throat and severe body aches now too.  Valtrex helps somewhat with the blisters on my arm if I start it soon enough, but this whole body rash laughs at any medication I try.  Anybody have any thoughts?  I'm going to the doctor tomorrow but am worried about the contagious nature of these blisters.

[Shallmark]

Erythema multiforme.  The best of all possible diagnoses, I suppose!  Now, if it will just heal!

[mklarson]

Diagnosis can be quickly conducted by antibody staining of the pus filled vesticles or a viral culture test. I highly suggest that you have it done ASAP as the danger to others is minimal, but the danger to you is great. That is because when they rupture, it leaves and open pathway open for infectious entry into your bloodstream. Your normal defenses will be compromised. Besides, until you know exactly what you have, you will not know if you are taking the correct medicine!
Please get it properly diagnosed for your safety!

Take care

[Shallmark]

Thank you for your comments.  I have been taking lysine but not consistently, so I will certainly keep up on that.  Mostly I want to be sure this is herpes.  From the pictures I've looked at on the Internet, the sores most resemble eczema herpeticum and chicken pox.  I'm frustrated that I can't get it under control.  I'm 37 and work around others quite closely so I want to be responsible about how contagious I am and when I am the most contagious.  Besides, it's painful and terribly itchy!

[mklarson]

Two thoughts;
    First, with the level of outbreak you detailed, you should be on Valtrex 1000mg a day for at least six months straight, and at 2000mg a day during outbreaks (with at least two months symptom free before discontinuation) .

Second, take 500mg of L-lysine with the two largest meals of the day. I have seen this addition turbo charge Valtrex with many patients (even though we are still arguing about this in the medical community).  L-lysine is an over the counter amino acid supplement that appears to help the body fight viral challenges.  The only side effect you can get from it is diarrhea if you take too much.  If that occurs you just cut back the dose until it subsides.

best of luck..