In July I went and got blood work because I was worried about a couple of red pimple-like bumps. The blood tests came back for HSV-1. I recently went back a week ago because the bumps never seemed to fully go away even after taking valtrex and another medication. The doctor did a culture test on the bumps which came back negative for any types of herpes. Is it possible that the bumps are not due to HSV-1 or does the virus have to be activly shedding in order to have a culture test come back positive? I've been stressing over what it could be and greatly appreciate any feedback.