Confronting A Nightmare

After having unprotected sex for the first time with a girlfriend, I was diagnosed with Herpes 1 inside my mouth and Herpes 2 which manifests above my genital area beneath my naval. To this day, I am incensed by the utter ineptitude of doctors in being able to give me an accurate diagnosis and consider the CDC criminal in not mandating that STD tests ALWAYS check for Herpes.

Setting these issues aside, some questions:

1. Can Herpes 1 or 2 manifest in smaller sized lesions that might resemble acne on the face and chest? Need they come to a head and then become dry in order to he Herpes or can they be lesions that never fully develop but remain visible and "dormant" ? To know for sure, would I visit a dermatologist or virologist?

2. What are the revised percentages by which taking an anti-viral will reduce the percentages of spreading to a partner? On a daily regimen, are Zoloft and Acyclovir (Zovirax) about the same? If I recall correctly, Zoloft is a lot more expensive so I'm wondering if the later would be a more economic option.

3. Lastly, I think I am have spread the virus by doing a full-body exfoliation (perhaps when shedding the virus without knowing). Why doesn't the literature offer stronger warnings about the dangers of self-contamination? Another instance. I used an alpha-hydroxy cream on my face when - it seems - I had a lesion on my face. Three other small lesions developed thereafter; perhaps because the alpha-hydroxy formula again exfoliates, requires rubbing across the face, and leaves the skin more vulnerable. So, again, why aren't these risks clearly outlined in advance so that we know what to avoid? It seems like our nation is in the Dark Ages about Herpes.

Thanks for reading. And I welcome your feedback. Peace.

[gracefromHHP]

Has your gf been tested yet to know her own status?

1 - yes a dermatologist would be the best choice to find out what is going on. it's doubtful you'd have herpes on that many body parts.

2 - daily suppressive therapy with valtrex, the only herpes antiviral studied for this, reduces transmission to a partner by 48% on average.  I believe you meant valtrex, not zoloft?

3 - it's not really spreading the virus when it's in the same dermatone. it's the way the virus naturally occurs.  most folks aren't doing anything that causes their herpes to be "worse" or giving themselves infections with it on other body parts after the first several weeks of being infected. After that point the body has built up protective antibodies to help keep it from happening.  shaving was much more likely to be an issue than the exfoliant you used too.  

grace