Could my 18 month old daughter have genital herpes?

[Sweetmei]

My daughter has itchy, red, raised bumps on her bottom. They look like HSV2 (I should know because I have it) but she does not have a fever nor does she seem "off" in her personality. The only thing she is demonstrating is that they are itchy and when I clean the area she is visibly uncomfortable. I have bathed with her in the past (maybe a handful of times) because I was told there was zero chance of passing HSV2 to her in the bath. I then was advised by a pediatrician that this is not the case. I now fear I have compromised my child's health. Any advice would be helpful... if not hsv2 what could it be? I looks like red, raised bumps. Some of them in clusters. I am horrified!!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You're welcome.

Terri

[Sweetmei]

Thank you Terri. I appreciate your responses & your time. All the best to you.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Genital herpes is not transmitted to children except by some sort of sexual contact.  If I see HSV 2 in a child, I am compelled to always report it to the authorities for that very reason.  You are a good mom and your child is not at risk of acquiring your herpes.

Terri

[Sweetmei]

What I'm asking is about ways it could be spread besides the unthinkable like child abuse. Thanks.

[Sweetmei]

hi Terri, The signs of the "rash" were gone by Monday morning fortunately/unfortunately so difficult for the pediatrician to diagnose. But I do have one last question... If this was not herpes because it would be extremely unlikely, what are the possible ways hsv2 COULD be spread to a child? Since I have read online about children with HSV2, how could this be if not by bathing with them? What if my husband who has HSV2 for example was scratching or "adjusting" his groin (which men do all the time!) and then without thinking about washing his hands, changed her diaper? My husband tested positive for HSV2 but has never had an outbreak (thank God!). Could this be a possibility? I always try to wash my hands before changing her but I'm just trying to think of possibilities so we are aware and very careful! Thanks.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

There are now three ongoing trials of these therapeutic vaccines.  You can find more information at clinicaltrials.gov

Terri

[Sweetmei]

hi Terri, You mention in your profile that some research is underway regarding a potential vaccine for herpes in people already infected. I was wondering if you know of any updates to these trials? Isn't it funny how there are never any fundraisers to raise money for herpes research and yet so many people are affected by the virus? Maybe because it isn't life threatening.. but it is really awful to live with.
I will take your advice and bring my daughter to the pediatrician in the morning. I am beyond tired of obsessing about this and want to know for sure what to do.

[Sweetmei]

ok, thanks Terri. I appreciate the reassurance. It is helpful. The pediatrician (based on what I described over the phone) prescribed a cream that I am to use 3x a day. I told them my situation (which now feels like a confession of sorts) so at least they are aware of how deeply I am concerned. I am praying you are right. Thank you. Happy Holiday.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

My thoughts are truly the same.  This is just extremely unlikely to be herpes, I promise.  I think you should take her in when the office opens tomorrow and ask to be evaluated to put your mind at rest.  Baby bottoms are not my speciality and I think you will feel more reassured by your own pediatrician.

Terri

[Sweetmei]

I am taking a deep breath but really I just want to cry. Would a fungal infection look like whitish raised bumps surrounded by a red base? She is 18 months old and yes wears diapers. We also just came back from vacation so I don't know if that is stressful for a baby and if so, how that might show up. But the bumps have been present for about 3-4 days now. I think the first day I thought they were scratches because she reaches down and scratches herself when I take the diaper off.  But if they were scratches they wouldn't be white and would go away quicker. I now change her diaper holding her hands so she can't scratch herself. I called the pediatrician and they thought it could be related to the diaper and suggested I stop using wipes for a while. They told me to bring her in if anything changes which it hasn't but I don''t know how long a diaper related rash or fungal infection usually lasts. So I am washing her bottom over the sink for each diaper change and I can feel the bumps in the crack of her bottom above her anus. She squirms when I wash her which to me says it's uncomfortable for her. I am using destin since the doctor said it is good to keep a "barrier" between her and the diaper. Any further thoughts you have based on the above information would be tremendously helpful. Thank you.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I think the risk of infecting your child through a bath is so small it is amazingly low if not zero.  My advice would be to have your pediatrician evaluated your daughter.  How old is she and does she wear diapers?  This could very well be a very minor fungal infection and this is most likely the case.  She does not need to be seen in an emergency room or anything like that this weekend.  If it is still there Monday, take her in and have her checked or if the office is open today, you could take her.

Having said all of that I want you to take a very deep breath and say to yourself that the chance she has genital herpes from bathing with you is like being struck by lightening or less than that probably.  Really.  I promise.

Terri