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Possible Misdiagnosis of HSV-1???
I have had this really minor rash 4 times in the last 4-5 years (about once per year) with the most recent event just last week. Rash always goes away within a week or less and always occurs in warmer months. No blisters, pain, drainage, or anything else. Other symptoms include some small blotchy areas of redness between small areas of rash and urine sometimes smells really bad during outbreak (not acidic; can't describe). I had seen a dermatologist and general practicioner 10-12 yrs ago about an area of split skin up on the penis shaft that wouldn't heal for a couple of months and they said was either jock itch or exzema but they both were confident it wasn't herpes based on visual alone. Tinactin seemed to clear it up and I didn't have any issues for several years until the rash started several years ago up on the head of penis. Note that I have not been sexually active since seeing those two doctors (sadly to say) so I could not have picked up HSV-1 since then in the genital area.
Just went to a different general practicioner Dr. last week about a recurrence of rash and he thought it was herpes based on a visual only. I had all STD tests done and was positive for HSV-1 (4.67 IGG antibodies >0.9; IGM antibodies normal) but negative for HSV-2 and all other STDS. However, I already knew I would test positive for HSV-1 as I have occasional cold sores; maybe one every year or two (first one was back in Sept. of 1986 after a bad sunburn/lipburn at the beach). I asked Dr. to do a swab when I was there but he said it was almost healed and probably wouldn't give any meaninful results. Tomorrow I am going to the dermatologist I originally went to 10-12 yrs ago and review his findings and describe what I've put in this post. Also will have him call the Dr. and get his opinion as to how he would diagnose as herpes based on visual only.
I personally don't think the rash is herpes but also know there's a chance that it could be. My dilema is that I might not ever have the rash again; how could I possibly know for sure what might be causing it? At the very least, it'll probably be another year or so and I ain't getting any younger. I want to be responsible in the event I meet a woman at some point, but I also don't want to assume the worst when it could be something minor. I mean I've read that there could be up to 20-30 things that could cause rashes on the head of penis (yes, including herpes) but I think the Dr. went a bit overboard with the diagnosis (not to mention the burden heaped on me during trying times as it is).
Had a few questions:
1. Is there any other test(s) that might tell me more in the event I never had another rash develope?
2. I feel confident I had the HSV-1 virus (cold sore) before the potential of being exposed to it in the genital area.
Don't antibodies lower the risk of aquiring it again making it less likely that it's HSV-1?
Any help appreciated as I don't know what else to do at this point. Any other suggestions of what I can do at this point most welcome.
Just went to a different general practicioner Dr. last week about a recurrence of rash and he thought it was herpes based on a visual only. I had all STD tests done and was positive for HSV-1 (4.67 IGG antibodies >0.9; IGM antibodies normal) but negative for HSV-2 and all other STDS. However, I already knew I would test positive for HSV-1 as I have occasional cold sores; maybe one every year or two (first one was back in Sept. of 1986 after a bad sunburn/lipburn at the beach). I asked Dr. to do a swab when I was there but he said it was almost healed and probably wouldn't give any meaninful results. Tomorrow I am going to the dermatologist I originally went to 10-12 yrs ago and review his findings and describe what I've put in this post. Also will have him call the Dr. and get his opinion as to how he would diagnose as herpes based on visual only.
I personally don't think the rash is herpes but also know there's a chance that it could be. My dilema is that I might not ever have the rash again; how could I possibly know for sure what might be causing it? At the very least, it'll probably be another year or so and I ain't getting any younger. I want to be responsible in the event I meet a woman at some point, but I also don't want to assume the worst when it could be something minor. I mean I've read that there could be up to 20-30 things that could cause rashes on the head of penis (yes, including herpes) but I think the Dr. went a bit overboard with the diagnosis (not to mention the burden heaped on me during trying times as it is).
Had a few questions:
1. Is there any other test(s) that might tell me more in the event I never had another rash develope?
2. I feel confident I had the HSV-1 virus (cold sore) before the potential of being exposed to it in the genital area.
Don't antibodies lower the risk of aquiring it again making it less likely that it's HSV-1?
Any help appreciated as I don't know what else to do at this point. Any other suggestions of what I can do at this point most welcome.
First lets wait to see what the swab results say before we jump to any concrete conclusions.
It could be many things and a visual diagnosis of herpes Is difficult as many things can look like hsv. It is rare to get hsv from a single exposure. Was the sex protected with a condom? Was there oral sex involved? Hsv1 and 2 are not the same but 50% of new genital infections are from hsv1 and usually given through oral sex. About 80% of folks tour age have oral hsv1 (cold sores).
Also this does not sound like a typical initial outbreak as they usually contain flu like symptoms as well. Fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches. It is possible if this is indeed hsv that you could have had it for quite some time as it can be asymptomatic
If it is hsv make sure they run a type specific test on it. Be adiment on that as it matters which one you have as hsv1 has very few if any future outbreaks.
I hope this helps a little. Keep up posted and good luck
It could be many things and a visual diagnosis of herpes Is difficult as many things can look like hsv. It is rare to get hsv from a single exposure. Was the sex protected with a condom? Was there oral sex involved? Hsv1 and 2 are not the same but 50% of new genital infections are from hsv1 and usually given through oral sex. About 80% of folks tour age have oral hsv1 (cold sores).
Also this does not sound like a typical initial outbreak as they usually contain flu like symptoms as well. Fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches. It is possible if this is indeed hsv that you could have had it for quite some time as it can be asymptomatic
If it is hsv make sure they run a type specific test on it. Be adiment on that as it matters which one you have as hsv1 has very few if any future outbreaks.
I hope this helps a little. Keep up posted and good luck
i am new to this issue and have a question or maybe 2..I am 60 years old and have never had a cold sore of any kind..really never had any issues sexually other than maybe a yeast infection from taking to many antibiotics ..I have had sex with someone new and within 3 days had a white spot appear down there..i had no other symptoms..the spot was tender the first day but really is not painful..but I headed to health dept for testing..they gave me every std test possible..the PA took a look and did a full exam and said it looks like herpes 2..and noted that 1 and 2 are now the same..there are no blisters..but she sent a swab..my questions could this be something else? my partner says i am his first since his wife passed away over a year ago..i have not been with anyone for about 2 years..did i get this from the new guy? or was it in me laying dormant? Could a white spot appear from a scratch or skin tear? going crazy here hope someone can help with good information.
you walk into a bar in the middle of january and start chatting up every gal who looks like they have a cold sore ;) Otherwise just count 1, 2, 3 and chat up every 3rd gal. statistically 1 out of every 2-3 people you meet has hsv1 orally. It's incredibly common and the older you get , the more prevalent it is.
I saw dermatologist today and he said it's doubtful it was herpes based on my history and symptom description but said basically what your saying; come in for an immediate culture if I get another outbreak and he could put the issue to rest once and for all. I'm just incredibly frustrated that the general practicioner I saw last week didn't at least attempt a swab after I asked him to when I was in even if rash was clearing up. If I did have herpes and it came up positive, at least I'd know. Also, the cavalier attitude and confidence that he was probably right with his diagnosis pissed me off. Don't get me wrong, there's a chance he might be right and I'm all for a Dr. shooting straight with patients but be darn sure before you tell someone it's probably herpes, HIV, etc........I mean it's not like he was telling me I had a cold. It really hit me hard but I'll adapt either way.........what else can you do?
On a lighter note, I'd like to develop a relationship with a female sometime before I croak.....I'm 49:) Are you familiar with some good "confidential" ways to meet other HSV-1 positive females in the Atlanta area (orally, genital, or both).......at least we'd have something in common on the first date and could definitely relate to each other. To be honest, the cold sore issue (while a minor inconvenience) has made me self concious and shy about pursuing women even though I rarely get one........not to mention that the previous Dr's visit 10-12 yrs ago that put a scare in me.
Thanks alot for the advice.
On a lighter note, I'd like to develop a relationship with a female sometime before I croak.....I'm 49:) Are you familiar with some good "confidential" ways to meet other HSV-1 positive females in the Atlanta area (orally, genital, or both).......at least we'd have something in common on the first date and could definitely relate to each other. To be honest, the cold sore issue (while a minor inconvenience) has made me self concious and shy about pursuing women even though I rarely get one........not to mention that the previous Dr's visit 10-12 yrs ago that put a scare in me.
Thanks alot for the advice.
I saw dermatologist today and he said it's doubtful it was herpes based on my history and symptom description but said basically what your saying; come in for an immediate culture if I get another outbreak and he could put the issue to rest once and for all. I'm just incredibly frustrated that the general practicioner I saw last week didn't at least attempt a swab after I asked him to when I was in even if rash was clearing up. If I did have herpes and it came up positive, at least I'd know. Also, the cavalier attitude and confidence that he was probably right with his diagnosis pissed me off. Don't get me wrong, there's a chance he might be right and I'm all for a Dr. shooting straight with patients but be darn sure before you tell someone it's probably herpes, HIV, etc........I mean it's not like he was telling me I had a cold. It really hit me hard but I'll adapt either way.........what else can you do?
On a lighter note, I'd like to develop a relationship with a female sometime before I croak:) Are you familiar with some good ways to meet other HSV-1 positive females in the Atlanta area (orally, genital, or both).......at least we'd have something in common on the first date and could definitely relate to each other. To be honest, the cold sore issue (while a minor inconvenience) has made me self concience and shy about pursuing women even though I rarely get one........not to mention that the previous Dr's visit 10-12 yrs ago put a scare in me.
Thanks for the advice.
On a lighter note, I'd like to develop a relationship with a female sometime before I croak:) Are you familiar with some good ways to meet other HSV-1 positive females in the Atlanta area (orally, genital, or both).......at least we'd have something in common on the first date and could definitely relate to each other. To be honest, the cold sore issue (while a minor inconvenience) has made me self concience and shy about pursuing women even though I rarely get one........not to mention that the previous Dr's visit 10-12 yrs ago put a scare in me.
Thanks for the advice.
you already know your blood test is + from your oral hsv1 infection. It's not likely this is hsv1 genitally. Only way to confirm that though is to be seen within 48 hours of the next time it reoccurs for herpes and make sure it's typed too.
visual diagnosis of herpes is wrong 1/3 of the time which is why follow up testing is the best course of action. you haven't had new partners so you know your igg test results are accurate. It's unfortunate the provider didn't do a lesion culture too but odds are this is more irritation or a fungal infection going on from the description of your symptoms and when they reoccur. Your provider did 3/4's right with ruling out herpes - the only thing they did wrong was not getting the lesion culture. this wasn't really poor care at all you got, just incomplete.
so what do you do in the meantime? Well if you meet someone, you do have to talk about your hsv1 oral infection and need to know their herpes status. hsv1 orally sheds far more than hsv1 genitally does so discussing what you know you have where is the priority. This is far more likely to be something non-herpes going on genitally so it wouldn't be an issue for a potential partner anyways.
grace
visual diagnosis of herpes is wrong 1/3 of the time which is why follow up testing is the best course of action. you haven't had new partners so you know your igg test results are accurate. It's unfortunate the provider didn't do a lesion culture too but odds are this is more irritation or a fungal infection going on from the description of your symptoms and when they reoccur. Your provider did 3/4's right with ruling out herpes - the only thing they did wrong was not getting the lesion culture. this wasn't really poor care at all you got, just incomplete.
so what do you do in the meantime? Well if you meet someone, you do have to talk about your hsv1 oral infection and need to know their herpes status. hsv1 orally sheds far more than hsv1 genitally does so discussing what you know you have where is the priority. This is far more likely to be something non-herpes going on genitally so it wouldn't be an issue for a potential partner anyways.
grace
It is estimated that 50 to 80% of the human population has HSV-1. Anything above a 3.5 on your IgG score is a definite positive.
I have HSV-1 and I spoke with my doctor about it, and she said iif you have have cold sores or fever blisters anywhere on your face, an HSV-1 genital infection would not be possible. The HSV-1 is also usually not the environment for the genitals.
Some people have been known to get HSV-1 genital infections, but from reading your post, I would say it is more likely a skin problem like eczema or jock itch, especially of the Tinactin cleared it up.
If your doctor thought it was herpes from a visual glance, I would probably suggest finding a better primary medical practitioner. I had something like this happen, and those are doctors you don't want to do business with. Try someone who will actually spend their time caring for you, not ones who get you in and out as quick as possible.
I have HSV-1 and I spoke with my doctor about it, and she said iif you have have cold sores or fever blisters anywhere on your face, an HSV-1 genital infection would not be possible. The HSV-1 is also usually not the environment for the genitals.
Some people have been known to get HSV-1 genital infections, but from reading your post, I would say it is more likely a skin problem like eczema or jock itch, especially of the Tinactin cleared it up.
If your doctor thought it was herpes from a visual glance, I would probably suggest finding a better primary medical practitioner. I had something like this happen, and those are doctors you don't want to do business with. Try someone who will actually spend their time caring for you, not ones who get you in and out as quick as possible.
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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.
