Asymptomatic Shedding

[Axe88]

I have been driven crazy in trying to understand asymptomatic shedding. I have HSV-2 (genital herpes).

Question 1.  Where would asymptomatic shedding take place? Genitals only?

Question 2.  Can you shed in other parts of the body?

Question 3.  When taking a shower, would I go about a regular shower (I use antibacterial shower gel anyway) instead of spending an hour worrying?

I have been infected for 8 years. My wife has not been infected at all in that time. She contracted HSV-1 when she was a little girl and I have never seen her with an outbreak. Although I have had outbreaks, she in turn has never contracted the HSV-2 from me.

Anyone with concrete answers?

[Axe88]

Thanks Grace.

[gracefromHHP]

not too unusual to have clusters of recurrences.  

you can always go on suppressive therapy.

[Axe88]

Hi Grace.

Last time we spoke was over a year ago and thanks to you I got over my freak outs when I would have an outbreak.

But lately, for some reason, it's been more outbreaks more frequently and it's getting so freaking annoying. I'm not stressed out or anything and it's not like I'm doing anything out of the ordinary. I've supplemented my diet with arginine and things like Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Garlic and have been eating right.

I just got over an outbreak 3 weeks ago and just today boom, signs of another. It's so upsetting cause I don't know what's causing it. I don't understand. Any thoughts?

[Axe88]

Wow.

Very insightful Grace. And I completely understand.

Enjoy your evening!

[gracefromHHP]

I had no idea I had it for  at least several months. Never suspected a thing!  when I unknowingly transmitted it to a partner and he came to me to tell me I pretty much figured well nothing I can do about it now and just went on with life. I come from a long line of pragmatic folks who don't waste time crying over our health - it is what it is.  I also work in healthcare so I've always realized that herpes is nothing compared to what I see families dealing with every day which really helps to keep it in perspective too.  I have families that would give their right arm to have herpes be their only worry.  I can control my symptoms and keep them minimal, I can keep the risk of transmission to a partner miniscule, it's really never affected my life much at all other than when I stumbled upon the online forums about 15 years ago and started educating and supporting others.  It's a pity so many folks think this is the end of life as they know it instead of just the opportunistic infection it really is that not many of us make it through life without either orally or genitally.  

[Axe88]

Ok.

Thanks for the info.

I read you have had it for 25 yrs. and my question to you is this:  Did you freak out at first when you found out you had it? Or was it something that was more or less like "oh well"? Just curious.

[gracefromHHP]

no it doesn't look like skin shedding. it's nothing you can see at all.

[Axe88]

Another thing I forgot to ask during the previous question:

Does shedding look like actual skin shedding (the white flaky type thing)? I never saw anything like that during the 9 yrs I've had it but just wanted to ask.

[Axe88]

Thank you for the response.

As a weightlifter I need excess protein to maintain muscle mass and strength. I use a product called NitroTech which has a good dose of arginine combined with their protein complex. Good to know it's being tested and used to treat herpes. Looks like I was on the right track without knowing it.

[gracefromHHP]

there are no known dietary triggers for genital herpes. the vast majority of folks don't have dietary triggers. the arginine/lysine theory was disproven a long time ago and they are even using arginine to treat herpes in research studies.  

the only time you can feel shedding is during prodromal symptoms prior to an out break and during any obvious lesions.

[Axe88]

Hi Grace.

When shedding takes place for type 2 herpes, is it noticeable in the skin? Also, do we feel anything at all when shedding is occurring?

And third, any science and proof to back up that caffeine and arginine cause outbreaks?

[Axe88]

Hey Guy.

My wife has an outbreak in her mouth as a result of her type-1. It's inside her mouth, at the top of it. Any special precaution we should take? Is that passed on thru saliva? Also, when is it ok for me to kiss her again? We're not kissing or sharing any cups, etc...She's a little freaked out but we're trying to look at this for what it is and not be scared.

Hope all is well!

[Axe88]

Good evening Grace.

My wife has an outbreak in her mouth as a result of her type-1. It's inside her mouth, at the top of it. Any special precaution we should take? Is that passed on thru saliva? We're not kissing or sharing any cups, etc...She's a little freaked out but we're trying to look at this for what it is and not be scared.

Hope all is well!

[Axe88]

Good evening Grace.

My wife has an outbreak in her mouth as a result of her type-1. It's inside her mouth, at the top of it. Any special precaution we should take? We're not kissing or sharing any cups, etc...She's a little freaked out but we're trying to look at this for what it is and not be scared.

Hope all is well!

[Axe88]

Ok.

It has a slightly different color than my normal white skin, but the little bumps or lesions are long gone. It looks like if it was slightly burnt.

[gracefromHHP]

wait until the skin has returned to normal.

[Axe88]

Hi Grace.

How long after an outbreak has healed is it safe for me to have sex w/the wife?

:)

[Axe88]

Hi Grace.

How long after an outbreak has healed is it safe for me to have sex w/the wife?

:)

[gracefromHHP]

this  is not an issue at all.

[Axe88]

Hi Grace. Hope 2012 is rocking for you and your family!

I was taking a shower the other day, and upon touching the area below my naval that has an outbreak occurring, I freaked out for some reason. Even though I am already using an anti-bacterial shower gel to shower with, I immediately washed my hands again and again in panic. Was this necessary?

[gracefromHHP]

you don't have to have obvious symptoms present in order to transmit herpes.

[Axe88]

So is that a NO?

[gracefromHHP]

herpes does shed periodically even without obvious lesions present. I shudder to think why you are asking about  nasal passages and herpes ....

[Axe88]

Hi Grace how's all?

Quick question again: Is it true that you can get herpes from mucus, or nasal area/passages, whether or not you have an outbreak? My first reaction to this was "huh??" Again, sorry for the ignorance. From my own research my gut feeling is 'no you can't.'

Correct me if I'm wrong please :)

Hope all is well with you!!