Aa
High Anxiety about HSV2
Please help me.
Here's my situation:
I was given Valtrex for a virus issue around Nov 19th and started taking it.
It was 14 pills, so 2 week prescription that lasted until about mid december.
Had very risky but protected encounter Nov 19th.
About 2 weeks later (can't remember exactly, but was after valtrex ran out) I developed a very small (less than 1/4 inch) single spot on the right side of my scrotum.
It was lighter colored than the rest of my skin and quite difficult to see.
At times, it felt like like a slight pinch or like when hair or prickly hair regrowing (I had shaved the area a week after the encounter) but it didn't really hurt or itch until it popped around the 3rd week or so.
When I popped it, it was like a pimple white head, not watery like I would expect a blister.
Sometimes couldn't feel it unless I messed with it usually because I was panickdly looking for it and stretching out my skin in the area.
Went to doc on dec 16.
Doc said it didn't look like i had herpes (said it should be a group of blisters) and gave me antifungal creme which didn't seem to help so stopped taking it.
Also had IGM IGG test and it came back last week:
IGM 1.21 Positive
HSV1 IGG .40 negative, which I think is strange because I supposedly have HSV1
HSV2 IGG .24 negative too
What do you think?
Too soon for a good test? especially after taking valtrex for 2 weeks?
This is really making me very anxious and I would appreciate your feedback.
Thank you,
Here's my situation:
I was given Valtrex for a virus issue around Nov 19th and started taking it.
It was 14 pills, so 2 week prescription that lasted until about mid december.
Had very risky but protected encounter Nov 19th.
About 2 weeks later (can't remember exactly, but was after valtrex ran out) I developed a very small (less than 1/4 inch) single spot on the right side of my scrotum.
It was lighter colored than the rest of my skin and quite difficult to see.
At times, it felt like like a slight pinch or like when hair or prickly hair regrowing (I had shaved the area a week after the encounter) but it didn't really hurt or itch until it popped around the 3rd week or so.
When I popped it, it was like a pimple white head, not watery like I would expect a blister.
Sometimes couldn't feel it unless I messed with it usually because I was panickdly looking for it and stretching out my skin in the area.
Went to doc on dec 16.
Doc said it didn't look like i had herpes (said it should be a group of blisters) and gave me antifungal creme which didn't seem to help so stopped taking it.
Also had IGM IGG test and it came back last week:
IGM 1.21 Positive
HSV1 IGG .40 negative, which I think is strange because I supposedly have HSV1
HSV2 IGG .24 negative too
What do you think?
Too soon for a good test? especially after taking valtrex for 2 weeks?
This is really making me very anxious and I would appreciate your feedback.
Thank you,
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Sorry, I've had the stomach flu for several days now. Back now.
Why were you put on Valtrex to start with?
And yes, your antibody test was done too soon for accuracy, and the IgM is useless, pay no attention to that. Only the IgG is reliable.
Were you visually diagnosed with HSV 1 orally years ago?
If you do have to take Valtrex, it is completely safe for your organs, yes, but you are ahead of yourself.
Your lesion certainly doesn't sound typical of HSV to me.
What you are describing sounds much more like a sebaceous cyst, which is normal on the scrotum. Or a fungal spot is possible also. Sounds like you have likely irritated it quite a bit now.
Let me know the answers to my questions, and I'll try to help more.
Terri
Why were you put on Valtrex to start with?
And yes, your antibody test was done too soon for accuracy, and the IgM is useless, pay no attention to that. Only the IgG is reliable.
Were you visually diagnosed with HSV 1 orally years ago?
If you do have to take Valtrex, it is completely safe for your organs, yes, but you are ahead of yourself.
Your lesion certainly doesn't sound typical of HSV to me.
What you are describing sounds much more like a sebaceous cyst, which is normal on the scrotum. Or a fungal spot is possible also. Sounds like you have likely irritated it quite a bit now.
Let me know the answers to my questions, and I'll try to help more.
Terri
Terri.
I'm going to get tested again in a couple of months just to make sure.
You certainly have calmed a lot of my anxiety down that I would have had up until that point.
I'll post an update once I get my results.
Thank you very much!
I'm going to get tested again in a couple of months just to make sure.
You certainly have calmed a lot of my anxiety down that I would have had up until that point.
I'll post an update once I get my results.
Thank you very much!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No, I don't think the Valtrex delayed the spot from coming. Your description of the spot doesn't fit well with herpes. If you are doing to test, I would wait 12 -16 weeks from the encounter for certainty.
Terri
Terri
Actually, I got the spot almost a full month post encounter...
Encounter on 11/18, spot appeared 12/14.
Could the Valtrex have delayed it?
Encounter on 11/18, spot appeared 12/14.
Could the Valtrex have delayed it?
Sorry Terri. I hope you're feeling much better now.
I was put on Valtrex because my Ear Nose and Throat doctor thought it might help with a completely unnasociated issue which was tinnitus I was experiencing in my ear.
I did take it, but it did not help, and I can't remember if I took it for 7 days or 14 days.
Just coincidentally, the same day he prescribed Valtrex was the day I had the SW encounter.
I was visually diagnosed with HSV 1 years ago when I walked in and saw my doc's PA with a sore on top of my lip.
He looked at it with a magnifier of some kind and said, YUP, HSV1.
No swab was done, and no antibody test was ordered at the time.
Although it's hard for me to locate the spot now (couldn't find it yesterday actually) I still feel it sometimes.
It's kind of like a slighty itchy pinch or as if new coarse hair is regrowing in that spot and is irritating it. However, it is mostly not present, and I barely ever feel it.
I really hope you are right that it's just a fungal spot or cyst.
Regardless, I started applying the antifungal medication again over the weekend, and will continue to do so.
Can a popped cyst or fungal spot feel raw too like mine did for a few days?
Is it also highly unlikely to be herpes because it was just a very small hard to find single shiny spot?
I thought for sure it was herpes and I thought the Valtrex delayed me getting the lesion (almost 3 weeks post encounter) and also affected my test score.
Since I'm just past week 7 now, would it be a good idea to retest now for some peace of mind, or is it just better to wait longer, especially since I stopped taking Valtrex those 5 weeks ago?
Thank you. You have already made me feel better.
I was put on Valtrex because my Ear Nose and Throat doctor thought it might help with a completely unnasociated issue which was tinnitus I was experiencing in my ear.
I did take it, but it did not help, and I can't remember if I took it for 7 days or 14 days.
Just coincidentally, the same day he prescribed Valtrex was the day I had the SW encounter.
I was visually diagnosed with HSV 1 years ago when I walked in and saw my doc's PA with a sore on top of my lip.
He looked at it with a magnifier of some kind and said, YUP, HSV1.
No swab was done, and no antibody test was ordered at the time.
Although it's hard for me to locate the spot now (couldn't find it yesterday actually) I still feel it sometimes.
It's kind of like a slighty itchy pinch or as if new coarse hair is regrowing in that spot and is irritating it. However, it is mostly not present, and I barely ever feel it.
I really hope you are right that it's just a fungal spot or cyst.
Regardless, I started applying the antifungal medication again over the weekend, and will continue to do so.
Can a popped cyst or fungal spot feel raw too like mine did for a few days?
Is it also highly unlikely to be herpes because it was just a very small hard to find single shiny spot?
I thought for sure it was herpes and I thought the Valtrex delayed me getting the lesion (almost 3 weeks post encounter) and also affected my test score.
Since I'm just past week 7 now, would it be a good idea to retest now for some peace of mind, or is it just better to wait longer, especially since I stopped taking Valtrex those 5 weeks ago?
Thank you. You have already made me feel better.
I'm sorry, but did I do something wrong?
I haven't gotten a response yet in 5 days.
Please let me know what I need to do or correct.
Thank you.
I haven't gotten a response yet in 5 days.
Please let me know what I need to do or correct.
Thank you.
Recap (trying to give exact timeline)
Nov 18th 2011- Given Valtrex and started taking it (about a 2 week amount).
Nov 18th - Same day went with SW and had protected intercourse, my scrotum did touch her exposed vaginal area.
Within 3 weeks - felt tingling in right site of scrotum where scrotum touched underwear/inside of thigh, so shaved to see if it was previously shaven hair growing back being irritating, and seemed that tingling went away. Also finished Valtrex prescription
12/14/2011 - Mid decemberish - Woke up in fetal position with irritated swollen lump at the same tingling spot from before. Swelling and irritation went away as soon as I changed positions, but could "feel" something. was difficult to find spot, after a few minutes of looking was able to stretch out scrotum and see in bright light very small circular patch of scrotum skin that wasn't irritating to touch but could sometimes feel it as I walked around especially AFTER touching the area (strange), mostly felt like hair growing back that was irritating area, but seemed to notice it when sitting and bearing down weight as I sat, also I think I did notice some slightly painful pulsing from base of penis to head, but not sure, can't rem clearly. Had girlfriend look at it and she said there was a hair coming out of the area, but I couldn't see the hair. It looked flat, not like a pimple and was somewhat shiny only slightly lighter than the rest of my scrotum color, again when stretched out.
About week 4 - Went to PA and said he couldn't see signs of herpes although I could feel the area was sensitive when not touching it but he could see redness so gave me antifungal creme. We couldn't find the spot when he was looking for it. Also ordered tests (12/16/2011).
Week 5 - can't remember exactly but I think this was around the time I saw that the spot had what looked like a tiny head poking out, so I applied pressure and squeezed out thick looking material, not liquidy, and sort of skin colored stuff which left the spot looking like a small popped zit.
Week 6. got test results back, and doc visually told me couldn't see signs of anything other than a scabbed over spot
All STD's came back negative, but he ordered follow up Syphillis test which I get back next week.
IGM 1.21 High
HSV1 IGG .40 neg which I think is strange cuz I was visually diagnosed with HV1 years ago by PA
HSV2 IGG .24 neg
So now I'm at week 7 and the spot is still there, and looks like a drying popped zit which I think I can feel from time to time. Plus, I do get a slight itch on the other side of my scrotum.
1. So is this consistent with a Herpes OutBreak? could it be something else?
2. Again, I was visually diagnosed with HSV1 years ago, so I guess I might only have minor HSV2 OB's because of that?
3. I'm in a relationship, so If I have to go on Valtrex, is it perfectly safe or does it harm organs like liver/kidneys long term?
4. Since the test I took had an IGM reading in it, does it mean the test is no good and need to retest? if so, which test should I take?
Nov 18th 2011- Given Valtrex and started taking it (about a 2 week amount).
Nov 18th - Same day went with SW and had protected intercourse, my scrotum did touch her exposed vaginal area.
Within 3 weeks - felt tingling in right site of scrotum where scrotum touched underwear/inside of thigh, so shaved to see if it was previously shaven hair growing back being irritating, and seemed that tingling went away. Also finished Valtrex prescription
12/14/2011 - Mid decemberish - Woke up in fetal position with irritated swollen lump at the same tingling spot from before. Swelling and irritation went away as soon as I changed positions, but could "feel" something. was difficult to find spot, after a few minutes of looking was able to stretch out scrotum and see in bright light very small circular patch of scrotum skin that wasn't irritating to touch but could sometimes feel it as I walked around especially AFTER touching the area (strange), mostly felt like hair growing back that was irritating area, but seemed to notice it when sitting and bearing down weight as I sat, also I think I did notice some slightly painful pulsing from base of penis to head, but not sure, can't rem clearly. Had girlfriend look at it and she said there was a hair coming out of the area, but I couldn't see the hair. It looked flat, not like a pimple and was somewhat shiny only slightly lighter than the rest of my scrotum color, again when stretched out.
About week 4 - Went to PA and said he couldn't see signs of herpes although I could feel the area was sensitive when not touching it but he could see redness so gave me antifungal creme. We couldn't find the spot when he was looking for it. Also ordered tests (12/16/2011).
Week 5 - can't remember exactly but I think this was around the time I saw that the spot had what looked like a tiny head poking out, so I applied pressure and squeezed out thick looking material, not liquidy, and sort of skin colored stuff which left the spot looking like a small popped zit.
Week 6. got test results back, and doc visually told me couldn't see signs of anything other than a scabbed over spot
All STD's came back negative, but he ordered follow up Syphillis test which I get back next week.
IGM 1.21 High
HSV1 IGG .40 neg which I think is strange cuz I was visually diagnosed with HV1 years ago by PA
HSV2 IGG .24 neg
So now I'm at week 7 and the spot is still there, and looks like a drying popped zit which I think I can feel from time to time. Plus, I do get a slight itch on the other side of my scrotum.
1. So is this consistent with a Herpes OutBreak? could it be something else?
2. Again, I was visually diagnosed with HSV1 years ago, so I guess I might only have minor HSV2 OB's because of that?
3. I'm in a relationship, so If I have to go on Valtrex, is it perfectly safe or does it harm organs like liver/kidneys long term?
4. Since the test I took had an IGM reading in it, does it mean the test is no good and need to retest? if so, which test should I take?
Sigh, I forgot to mention that the doctor who I first saw told me that he saw redness on my forskin an that's why he gave me the antifungal cream.
The spot is on the side of my scrotum where the leg meets it.
I myself didn't actually see redness, but of course I can't bend my head all the way down there...
I did start applying the cream again since the spot is still somewhat present, and I'm also feeling a bit of an itch sometimes on the left side of my scrotum.
If you've read all my posts, you must think I'm totally rant crazy by now!!
So sorry, just anxious!
Please forgive me Terri!
If you want, I can recap all this in a hopefully easier to read format.
The spot is on the side of my scrotum where the leg meets it.
I myself didn't actually see redness, but of course I can't bend my head all the way down there...
I did start applying the cream again since the spot is still somewhat present, and I'm also feeling a bit of an itch sometimes on the left side of my scrotum.
If you've read all my posts, you must think I'm totally rant crazy by now!!
So sorry, just anxious!
Please forgive me Terri!
If you want, I can recap all this in a hopefully easier to read format.
Patience has never been a virtue of mine, and I remember another detail.
The "spot" I keep referencing did not look like a pimple.
It was more like a circular shiny spot, that was quite difficult to see.
I really had to stretch out my skin to find it, which might have been why the doctor missed it when I first went to see him.
It was painless most of the time except for a random itch or pinch every now and then.
However, I do remember it getting sore for a couple of days.
And there was one night that I do remember it being very sore, but I think it may have scabbed over the next day and didn't hurt anywhere near as bad.
Now that was about 2 weeks ago, and I still find and feel the little spot as I mentioned before.
Overall, I think it's been about 4 weeks since this spot appeared.
I truly regret not being more insistent on the doctor finding it to get a swab test.
I hope this info helps and I'm not just annoying you.
The "spot" I keep referencing did not look like a pimple.
It was more like a circular shiny spot, that was quite difficult to see.
I really had to stretch out my skin to find it, which might have been why the doctor missed it when I first went to see him.
It was painless most of the time except for a random itch or pinch every now and then.
However, I do remember it getting sore for a couple of days.
And there was one night that I do remember it being very sore, but I think it may have scabbed over the next day and didn't hurt anywhere near as bad.
Now that was about 2 weeks ago, and I still find and feel the little spot as I mentioned before.
Overall, I think it's been about 4 weeks since this spot appeared.
I truly regret not being more insistent on the doctor finding it to get a swab test.
I hope this info helps and I'm not just annoying you.
I know I said I wouldn't post anymore, but I checked my scrotum today, and the spot is still there.
It still looks like a popped pimple/balloon or something.
There's a slight stinging sensation, but only if I touch it, that lasts a few minutes.
Not sure what to think because it's been over 3 weeks since that's been there.
Sorry for being so impatient. I know you'll get to me when you can.
Thanks for putting up with me.
It still looks like a popped pimple/balloon or something.
There's a slight stinging sensation, but only if I touch it, that lasts a few minutes.
Not sure what to think because it's been over 3 weeks since that's been there.
Sorry for being so impatient. I know you'll get to me when you can.
Thanks for putting up with me.
Oops I forgot to say, that sometime when I sit at a certain angle it feels like the spot is still there. I believe it has been longer than 3 weeks now so I keep fearing that its coming back..
That's it! Sorry, I won't post anymore until you get back to me.
Thanks again.
That's it! Sorry, I won't post anymore until you get back to me.
Thanks again.
Im sorry to post so much, but a question and detail popped up in my head.
I'd rather you have all the info than a lack of it.
Can taking the Valtrex have delayed me getting a herpe sore which was about 3 weeks after exposure?
The small area was very slightly lighter colored than the rest of my scrotum, and when I popped it, it was hard to see but I could kind of tell it was like a tiny deflated balloon.
When I went to the doctor the 1st time, he couldn't find it but I know the spot was there.
The 2nd time, when I went for my follow up the doc said he saw a small scab, which I couldn't honestly see.
I greatly apologize for posting so much. I'm just trying to help calm myself down. Typing this does help some, as I feel you will respond soon and I will at least have more direction.
Thank you very much for being understanding.
I'd rather you have all the info than a lack of it.
Can taking the Valtrex have delayed me getting a herpe sore which was about 3 weeks after exposure?
The small area was very slightly lighter colored than the rest of my scrotum, and when I popped it, it was hard to see but I could kind of tell it was like a tiny deflated balloon.
When I went to the doctor the 1st time, he couldn't find it but I know the spot was there.
The 2nd time, when I went for my follow up the doc said he saw a small scab, which I couldn't honestly see.
I greatly apologize for posting so much. I'm just trying to help calm myself down. Typing this does help some, as I feel you will respond soon and I will at least have more direction.
Thank you very much for being understanding.
I just wanted to add that I had already felt tingling in the spot before I shaved.
Also, the morning I knew something was up, I was sleeping in the fetal position to my right and could feel something bothering me down there.
From then on, I didn't sleep any way other than face up because I could feel a tingle, sensation, pinch, or itch in that spot.
Again, the spot was very small, maybe 1/8 inch circle, but I "knew" it was herpes...
Any help would be greatly appreciated during this period of high anxiety.
Thanks in advance.
Also, the morning I knew something was up, I was sleeping in the fetal position to my right and could feel something bothering me down there.
From then on, I didn't sleep any way other than face up because I could feel a tingle, sensation, pinch, or itch in that spot.
Again, the spot was very small, maybe 1/8 inch circle, but I "knew" it was herpes...
Any help would be greatly appreciated during this period of high anxiety.
Thanks in advance.
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
