Precaution

Hi,

  I am on a wrestling team and a bunch of kids have hsv-1.  No genital herpes.  Most of the kids have had outbreaks on their chins or foreheads and have had positive tests and cultures.  I believe I may have had a breakout but cannot get tested or have a culture for a few days.  It is on my chin.  I have taken a few of one of their valtrex.

Is their anything else I can do in the meantime to speed up the healing period if in fact I have it?
Also, can I spread this by touching my chin and then other areas of my body, ie genitals, or other areas of my face?
I have heard that witch hazel solution helps the crusting process along, is this just a rumor?

Thanks in advance.

[Army Guy]

As a former wrestler I can say that a herpes infection is rare but not impossible.  I would like to think that if your fellow wrestlers were having herpes outbreaks that they would refrain from practice until it has passed.  Wrestling mats are prone to bacteria so they should be cleansed before and after every pratice.  Does your team do this?!   If you suspect herpes and are having an outbreak go to the doctor before it heals.  The doctor can do a culture test and that way you would know for sure.  In an initial herpes outbreak it is possible to infect other areas of the body thru what is called auto-innoculation.  Washing hands is good way to prevent this.  If you have more questions hit me up.

[gracefromHHP]

Every wrestling team should have a set of guidelines for how to deal with known hsv1 infected wrestlers. If yours doesn't - tell your coach it's something that needs to be done!!  There are many guidelines on the web to look for examples of what other teams are doing.  

During wrestling season - it's recommended that anyone who knows they have herpes either as an oral infection or as herpes gladatorium should consider being on daily suppressive therapy with one of the herpes antivirals.  That way they will have less ob's. Anyone who has an obvious herpes ob either on their body or on their face - should not be wrestling at all until it's compeltely healed.  Most programs recommend that should you get a herpes ob - you need to notify anyone you've wrestled with within the last 2 days previously.  

Since you aren't sure what you have is hsv1 on your chin - I recommend following up monday on thsi with your doctor.  With the incidence of MRSA infections out there - it's well worth following up on. Talk to your doctor about medication to treat herpes ob's if indeed that's what you have and also ask about suppressive therapy for the wrestling season.  

I would not use anything on this until you've been seen and properly diagnosed by a medical professional.

grace

[wrestler3]

After the initial outbreak, can later outbreaks spread by contact to other areas on your own body, ie genitals or other areas of your face??

I have heard that witch hazel solution helps the crusting process along, is this just a rumor?

Thanks a lot for the responses

[Army Guy]

You should avoid touching the site of the outbreak.  If you do then make sure you wash your hands with soap.  During an initial outbreak the body may not have developed sufficient amount of anitbodies to fight infection if other parts of your body that come in contact.  This is called autoinnocullation.  It happens but you can prevent this by not touching your blisters.  I'm sorry but I don't know about witch hazel.  If your doctor determines this is a herpes outbreak then I am sure he/she will prescribe some anti-viral medication that should speed up healing.

[gracefromHHP]

Sometimes witch hazel helps to dry out the lesions.  It's different for everyone. As I said I don't recommend putting anything on them until you are seen by a medical practioner in the morning.  You don't want to interfere with getting an acute viral/bacterial culture at this point.  

You are very unlikely to transmit an oral herpes infection to other body parts on your own body as army guy already pointed out.  Just use common sense - if you can't keep your hands off your face when you have anything going on there - be sure to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you realized you have been touching your face.

grace

[wrestler3]

Thanks for all the help, is herpes gladiatorum considered oral herpes, or just hsv-1?

[gracefromHHP]

Herpes gladiatorum is herpes infections on nongenital and nonfacial body parts - usually acquired thru contact sports - hence the name.  It can be caused by hsv1 or hsv2.  

Your symptoms are on your face and if they are indeed herpes - they are most likely hsv1 and would be considered oral herpes. Oral herpes can cause symptoms anywhere from the chin up into the nose.  

[wrestler3]

Kids from my team have had it on their forehead, chin, and side of their jaw.  Mine is on my lower chin.  

Can I spread it by kissing?  Performing oral sex?

[gracefromHHP]

Herpes is transmitted thru direct skin on skin contact with the area infected.  Yes you can transmit it thru kissing.  You can also potentially transmit it to a partner's genital area thru oral sex.  The herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com has info on both oral and genital herpes to learn more.

How does your wrestling team handle herpes ob's in it's players in general? Sounds to me like it could really use some improving!!!  Do the wrestlers who know they have herpes - take suppressive therapy at least during the season?

grace

[ConcernedMom145]

My son is a wrestler and was just diagnosed with herpes zoster.  His outbreak occurred on his left buttock and waist.  He has been placed on famociclovir.  It appears to be in the early stages and is continuing to spread along the area served by this nerve.  What can I do to keep him pain free and aid in the crusting of the lesions?  Concerned Mom

[gracefromHHP]

How was he diagnosed as having herpes zoster? Did they do an actual lesion culture and typing or just a visual diagnosis of shingles?  You didn't mention his age but shingles in a young adult is uncommon so unless it was confirmed by actual testing - he'll need additional testing to see if it's actually herpes simplex that he contracted.  

Lidocaine is helpful for the pain.  His doctor can prescribe it for him.  Also domboro's solution is helpful for pain, itching and drying out the lesions.  You can buy it at most pharmacy's - ask for it - it sometimes hard to find on the shelves.  

grace