Valtrex side effect to partner

My SO erupted w/ some postules a few weeks back (bumps developing into sores, some pus filled) in the upper groin area.  Eventually the shaft of the penis became involved, as well as upper thighs.  He has a well documented history of skin problems (from acne and canker sores to eczema to fungal infections, etc) and also shaved body hair at earlier point.  This "eruption" was first diagnosed as being eczema and folliculitis.  Whatever creams he was given, in addition to a self-made choice to use anti-bacterial soap, only made matters worse, so that this grew to be painful, bleeding"'wounds."   To my surprise, no swabs/cultures were made at that time.  Now, he has finally gone to see a dermatologist, but I'm even more perplexed.  Upon hearing that I'm Herpes positive, all hell broke loose.  FYI~ 1. My herpes is very old, 2. I've never had a flare up (or if so, must have been early on and very mild), and 3. For extra safety, I take 1 gr Valtrex daily.  

Anyway, that he might have gotten herpes from me, our precautions aside, makes sense to me as a possibility to be explored, for sure.  What baffles me is the MDs intimation that it could well be my Valtrex that is causing his skin reaction....something about exposure to it via my bodily fluids.  I've never heard of any such thing, never had a reaction to the Valtrex myself, and wonder how it can possibly be causing welts and pus-filled sores on my SO.

Could you point me to any research to validate making this even a possibility, never mind a likely option?  Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,
From the symptoms it looks like a bacterial infection like folliculitis or viral one like herpes sores. You are taking Valtrex and not your son. It is unlikely to be related to valtrex. Another possibility is of erythema multiforme. Trigerred by viral infections, it presents with a skin eruption characterised by a typical target lesions and is found in young adults. However Folliculitis is a bacterial infection and to confirm the diagnosis, you can send the pus from the bumps for pus culture sensitivity to identify the bacterial infection if any. If it is bacterial infection, then he may need oral and topical antibiotics. Also a biopsy skin needs to be done and sample sent for ruling out erythema multiforme and herpes sores.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.