Possible HSV2 Symptoms

[Jim1823]

Dear Doctor,

Here is my situation.  Back in April I was concerned about a possible herpes exposure from a professional who used her salivia to give me a hand job.  No real symptoms but I had a full STD check which came back negative.  I also had a Herpes Select test done at 7.5 weeks which came back positive for HSV1 and negative for HSV2.  This was my only possible exposure in the year leading up to the test.  

In early July I visited a massage parlor.  We both were naked.  My genitals never touched her genitals but she did straddle my butt while massaging me which I assume allowed her inner thighs to come into contact with my buttocks and thighs.  End of August I got another massage.  The girl left her underwear on and again staddled my butt and legs.  No contact with my genitals except for her hand.  

Recently went for a run and developed what I assumed was chaffing on my inner thigh about 2-3 inches from were the leg meets the groin.  The chaffing was about 21/2 inches long and 3 millimeters wide in a slightly curved line.  The line was red and had 10 - 12 small bumps in it. They stung a little when rubbed against.  The red line disapeared overnight but 8 of the bumps developed very small scabs within the day.  The scabs were healed within 3 days, no fluid or itching of any kind.  

Here are my questions:
1) Could I have acquired herpes based on the exposure I described (very confused on the whole skin to skin contact issue).
2) Does a hsv2 outbreak present itself in a line like I described?
3) Can initial outbreaks occur on the thigh?
4) What would be the reliability of the Herpes Select test if I got it done now (9 weeks after last possible exposure)?

Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I would say that there is great variety in how people who have herpetic neuralgia describe the pain.  Maybe some of you out there who have herpes and get the pain could help out here.  I've heard it described most often as shooting pain down the back of the leg, sometimes like an electric feeling.  I've also heard people say the skin feels very sensitive as well.  That's about the best I can do here.  Others?

Terri

[Jim1823]

Terri,

I hear what you are saying but stress makes one naturally jump to perceived worst case scenarios.  It would certainly be helpful to me and probably many others if you could describe the typical leg pain symptoms like you did for flu like symptoms.  I.e. ache versus shooting pain, purning, sharp etc.

Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Herpes can cause leg pain, yes, but it can be caused by lots of other things, including disc pressure and musculoskeletal issues.  Let's not jump to any conclusions about herpes here - there is an old medical practice adage - when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.  In other words, think of thing that is most likely rather than the obscure thing as a cause of a problem.

Terri

[Jim1823]

Thanks for the clarification on the flu like symptoms.  It's very helpful to have the generic "flu like symptoms" spelled out.

Can you do the same for the generic "leg pain"?

Since May I get intermittent leg and buttock pain.  It is always on the right side.  Typically there will be an ache starting in right buttock that feels deep inside.  The ache will go down my hamstring.  The ache will come and go and usually is relieved by standing up, changing position.  The pain frequently gets worse when sitting on my wallet. After a week or so, the pain transitions to a pressure like feeling in my kneecap and then a fullness and achy feeling in my calfs.  There also seems to be some ache in my hip joint and ankle.

This scenario has repeated itself multiple times since May.

So is this consistent with herpes leg pain and if not can clarify what herpes leg pain feels like?

[yelnats1962]

Terri, I see the same thing that StillWorried is saying.  Does accuracy only increase 5% from 6 to 9 wks.?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Flu symptoms would include achiness, possible fever, fatigue.

Terri

[Still_Worried_]

Hi, Terri:

If 70% of people test positive at 6 weeks, it only rises approximately 5% in the following 3 weeks?  I see Dr. HHH & Dr. Hook stating 80% at 9 weeks quite frequently (both w/ & without prior HSV I) & it's very confusing with all the percentages being thrown around.  I'd like to give others the most accurate information available, but I'm confused, myself.  Thanks for responding!!

[Jim1823]

Terri,

Thanks for the quick response.  I read alot about Flu like symptoms being associated with HSV but no one ever spells out exactly what this means.  Are we talking about nausea, diarrea, and fever or are we talking about muscle aches, fatigue, and that feeling of not wanting your clothes to touch your skin?  Or all of the above?

Any clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

1.  No, I don't think that these symptoms sound herpetic nor do I think there is exposure from the contacts you've had.
2.  Not usually
3.  Initial outbreaks most always occur on the genitals when they are noticed.
4.  Probably 75% accurate.

The kinds of sexual contacts that you've been having are really quite safe.  If you continue to have these contacts, you may be worried enough to continue testing, which I honestly don't think is needed.  You've been careful about receiving unprotected oral sex or intercourse, which is good.  I hope you'll keep working diligently on these safer sex practices.

Terri