Hsv-1 recurrent outbreak or something else?

[Janenicole89]

Hi, I was diagnosed with genital hsv-1 almost 2 years ago and haven't had recurrent outbreak until now (I think). 4 days ago I woke up and was quite itchy in the anal region but just put it down to a sweat rash type irritation as I had been out all day the day before in 40 degree Celsius heat! Anyway, later that night I noticed a couple of painless bumps that were more like a rash or irritation, but it wasn't painful or anything. Now a few days later there are several bumps right near my anus (all on one side) that aren't painful or anything but seem to have flattened if that makes sense? I remember my first outbreak being extremely painful and itchy. I am so stressed it's a herpes outbreak because I slept with someone unprotected a few days before and would be devastated if I passed it on. Could this be anything else???

[catinbarefeet]

Yes, your symptoms can be a recurrent outbreak of your genital herpes. My recurrences sometimes occur near my tailbone, though the point-of-entry was genital. You can have an outbreak anywhere between belly-button and mid-thigh - anywhere that's innervated (supplied/fed) by the nerve bundle where the virus sleeps.

Also, it's important to know that we can be contagious at any time, since we can shed virus (have virus on the surface of the skin) even without symptoms. In fact, according to Terri Warren, up to 90% of HSV+ people are unaware that they carry HSV, due to a lack of symptoms. It's how the virus is mostly shed.

The recommendation is to always disclose your HSV status before sexual contact, since transmission can occur, even without symptoms. An outbreak is not necessary to transmit. Condoms only protect 30% of the time.

Finally, ask your doctor to put you on suppressive (daily antiviral) therapy if you're dating non-H people. Daily antivirals have been found to cut the rate of both shedding and transmission at least 50%.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, confirming this is a herpes outbreak is a bit difficult over the internet and a swab of the sores would be the only way to confim. Recurrent outbreaks are often milder but from what your describing seem more of a heat rash considering the area. Most recurrent outbreaks tend to be in the same area.