herpes

[stressed4822]

my husband gets shingles but he also once while dating he got a rash on his butt and I put cream on it 3 years later I have the samme patch on my butt and swollen lymph noded on both sides of stomach  did I get herpes 2 from him


This discussion is related to Herpes of Anal Fissure.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

To be able to diagnose if this is really herpes, a culture of the lesion or a blood tests may be done. Although both the shingles and genital herpess belong to the same family, each are distinct in their symptoms as well as their mode of transmission. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or 2. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease  and may present with itching or pain, followed by sores that appear a few hours to a few days later. The sores, which may appear on the vagina, penis, scrotum, buttocks, or anus, start out as red bumps that soon turn into red, watery blisters.  The sores may open up, ooze fluid or bleed, and then heal within the next 2 to 4 weeks.

Flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes may also be observed. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can stay hidden away in the body until the next herpes outbreak, when the virus reactivates itself and the painful sores return.If you think you may have genital herpes or if you have had a partner who have genital herpes, it is best that you see your doctor for proper evaluation and management. Antiviral medication may be prescribed to help control recurring HSV-2 and clear up the painful sores.

Take care and keep us posted.

[stressed4822]

Is it possible to have shingles and herpes that come up together?  If I have genital herpes could this come up 3 years later and he hasn't had a breakout for about a 1 1/2 years ?  Where does herpes come from or shall isay how does it begin?  the blisters healed up and the doctor said because I had swollen lymph nodes it was herpes 2  but come back when I have another flare up and she can take a culture and run a blood test  He keeps saying he always thought it was shingles

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Shingles is due to the herpes zoster virus and usually presents with an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The first sign of shingles is often burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness or itch, in one particular location on only one side of the body or dermatome where the chicken pox virus lay dormant and reactivates. Antiviral drugs also decrease the severity and duration of an attack of shingles.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or 2. Most forms of genital herpes are HSV-2. But a person with HSV-1 which is responsible for cold sores around the mouth, can also transmit the virus through oral sex to another person's genitals. Someone who has been exposed to the genital herpes virus may not be aware of the infection and may never have an outbreak of sores. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can stay hidden away in the body until the next herpes outbreak, when the virus reactivates itself and the painful sores return.

Take care and regards.