HSV1 on chin not subsiding completely

[ElsaSantiago]

Hello, I was diagnosed with HSV1 last December 2013. It was an unusual breakout as it attacked  my entire chin but not really my lips or inside my mouth. At first because it looked like it, the doctor thought it was impetigo and after the treatment for that did nothing. I was referred to an infectious diseases specialist and I was put on Valacyclovir and bacitracin ointment which only helped the problem to about 80% better but the issue never really entirely went away. It is March 2014 and I am again taking 1000mg 3x per day generic Valacyclovir for 7 days and the redness and spots on my chin are only somewhat better than they have been but they are still there and never completely went away. It seems that the generic Valacyclovir is not doing its full job and am wondering if Valtrex name brand should be my next option or if there might be something else going on? I have read that often the generic brand has a much lesser efficacy than the name brand, which is understandable.

I am very concerned as I seem to not be able to get rid of this from my skin. The infectious diseases specialist said that my symptoms would be gone within a month but it's been about three and I cannot seem to get better beyond this point. The OB on my chin looks like very mild acne, nothing at all like herpes. There is some redness and swelling and some scar tissue has been left from the initial outbreak. I do not have it anywhere else on my body and I do not have HSV2.

Is there something else I should be doing?

[HerpesFish_com]

Are you too stressed? More stress may result in more reactivation of HSV.

Some foods are reported to affect outbreaks like alcohol, popcorn, nuts, chocolate and coffee. Do not eat these foods during your outbreak.

Since pills do not work well, you may try natural or herbal treatments like olive oil.

[TiminBoston]

Sorry I couldn't offer any better feedback.

Best of luck.  

[ElsaSantiago]

PS - I will try the Lysine too.

[ElsaSantiago]

My test for HSV1 came back positive but HSV2 was negative. I am, however, thinking of having another test done by the infections disease specialist. (It was the dermatologist test that gave the positive result.) Regardless, from what I understand even if it were to be HSV2, the Valcyclovir (now Valtrex) should have helped it by now. Correct?
I did start the Valtrex as of last night and I am not yet sure if it is or isn't working.
My chin OB doesn't look like any herpes photo I've seen, HSV1 or 2. It itches and burns at the same time and yes, the tingling sensation is there too. But... it hasn't gotten better beyond this point for over three months now so I am not sure what is going on.
Thank you for your response and kindness. I really appreciate it.

[TiminBoston]

Sorry to hear about what you're going through... You're sure the chin outbreak is HSV?  It was swabbed (and found to be positive) or is that your doctor's best guess?  


The valtrex you're taking should have cleared it by now if, in fact what you have is herpes.   Since it hasn't, my advice would be to seek out a dermatologist for sure.

Also, if in fact it is HSV1, maybe daily Lysine supplements will help.  Lysine has been very effective in treating my oral cold sores for years.  It doesn't work for everyone; but, you might want to give it a shot for a few weeks.  It doesn't have any medicinal benefit against HSV2, I should add.