RECURRENCE OF HSV 1 GENITAL

[matty9]

My daughter had her first occurence of HSV1 genital in March.  She says she had a second occurrence JUNE 11 - she went to the doctor and they did a culture but there was nothing detected.  She also had tests done on all the other stds, and she did not have anything else.It went away in a few days, and she asked the doctor to go on preventive viral (valtrex) and the doctor gave her 500mg 1 times a day - valacyclovir.  NOW (JULY 2) she says she thinks she has it again, she has a rash and it hurts. Can HSV1 occur this often??  Could it be something else causing the rash?? Thank you.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

There is an abundance of scientific data showing that Lysine is not effective for suppressing herpes.  Now studies are averages, and perhaps for some people it is helpful.  But that's not the way I look at suggesting treatment.

having HSV 1 antibody says nothing about where the infection is located on the body.  It could be oral or genital. Without a positive swab test, it isn't possible to know.

Terri

[matty9]

Hi Terri,
The doctor said she had a yeast infection and gave her medicine, and she told her to stay on suppressive valtrex for 6 months and if you don't have anything, go off them because she does not need them.  

I am still interested in knowing about your thoughts on Lysine for suppressive because I was on webmd and it had very good reviews. Thank you.

[matty9]

She does not have HSV2 because she was tested for antibodies in March and also in the middle of June and both times no antibodies the doctor said.  She was tested for every std (at my daughter's request) and she had no antibodies except for HSV1 - and she had the same antibodies for HSV1 the year prior to any outbreak at all.  She is going to the doctors today at 4pm to see what is up.

I have a question on suppression therapy:  I read on this forum that suppression therapy does not work that well with HSV1 - it works better for HSV2 - is that correct?  I have read about Lysine, what is your view on Lysine for HSV1 for a preventative?

Thank you.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Its quite soon for another recurrence of HSV 1, but it could be, even on suppression.  Are you certain it is HSV 1, not HSV 2?  I would strongly recommend that she be seen and confirm that this is indeed a herpes outbreak.  It certainly is atypical, but she needs to know if it might be something else, like a severe yeast infection.  Can she get in to be seen soon?

Terri