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Have I re-infected myself?
I initially felt a burning sensation on the side of my lip about the middle of June.I saw a few little pimples with fluid in them come on the side of my lip. I scratched it, got nervous about it because I thought I looked hideous and then placed lipstick on my lips. Then I noticed small pimples under the surface of my lip everywhere on my lips. I had to stretch my skin for them to be seen. I went to the doctors and they said it could be a small cold sore. I shouldn't touch anywhere. I got paranoid that someone I had sexual relations with gave it to me. So I looked below but using tissue and not my bare fingers.
The symptoms have been always been here. My lip has never felt the same, just itchy, funny and sore. I have been to the doctors seven times over June and July. One said my lips looked like an allergy, another, my lip looks fine, other said it could be a small coldsore. I got paranoid so I bought one of those lip balms that I found on the Herpes Association website. I used it and it lessens the pain a bit. I have now seen ulcers in my mouth. and swellings under my skin under my top lip. Plus the nerves are enlarged towards the sore in my mouth.
I spoke to the lady from the Herpes Association and she said that I cannot re-infect myself after my initial event. I figured this must be the second event because of everything that has been happening before this one. I hadn't shaved in a while and I was wondering if that is the reason why the doctors cannot see my vagina well enough to see if I have anything down there. So I washed my hands and shaved. Then I took a bath and wiped myself dry. I then had a look myself with my hands because I thought that I couldn't infect myself with my hands because I had washed it. Do you think I could have infected down there?
Also, during one of my visits, the doctor gave me aciclivor, and I have been using it. I used it correctly for 3 days, but the last two days, I haven't been taking it at the right times.
The symptoms have been always been here. My lip has never felt the same, just itchy, funny and sore. I have been to the doctors seven times over June and July. One said my lips looked like an allergy, another, my lip looks fine, other said it could be a small coldsore. I got paranoid so I bought one of those lip balms that I found on the Herpes Association website. I used it and it lessens the pain a bit. I have now seen ulcers in my mouth. and swellings under my skin under my top lip. Plus the nerves are enlarged towards the sore in my mouth.
I spoke to the lady from the Herpes Association and she said that I cannot re-infect myself after my initial event. I figured this must be the second event because of everything that has been happening before this one. I hadn't shaved in a while and I was wondering if that is the reason why the doctors cannot see my vagina well enough to see if I have anything down there. So I washed my hands and shaved. Then I took a bath and wiped myself dry. I then had a look myself with my hands because I thought that I couldn't infect myself with my hands because I had washed it. Do you think I could have infected down there?
Also, during one of my visits, the doctor gave me aciclivor, and I have been using it. I used it correctly for 3 days, but the last two days, I haven't been taking it at the right times.
Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease. I got a bit relaxed when I spoke to the Herpes Association and they said that I cannot re-infect myself once my body has produced antibodies for the virus. I wasn't sure if they were really telling the truth or if I had done something stupid. I have been to the doctors around 7 times for this because I haven't been getting any straight answers. I have been going crazy and been worrying about my health immensely. I will try and lead a normal life and try to get over this. I have made some really bad choices in the past and done some very stupid things. I have definitely learnt my lesson and will try my best to take much greater care of my body.
Thanks Again,
Shauna
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Thank you for your post.
If what you have are cold sores, these are extremely common and they are not necessarily sexually transmitted. Symptoms are usually mild, outbreaks become less frequent and less severe. Most people have been in contact with the virus responsible, herpes simplex type 1. If you do have herpes type 1 on your lips, the virus will remain there and you cannot re-infect yourself anywhere else in your body. Also you canno be infected by anybody else as you already carry the antibodies against it. Therefore no need to worry about getting the infection in your vagina. Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes type 2 and symptoms tend to be more severe with painful blister and systemic symptoms of malaise, fever, etc. You would know if you had it.
Best wishes,
Dr José
Thank you for your post.
If what you have are cold sores, these are extremely common and they are not necessarily sexually transmitted. Symptoms are usually mild, outbreaks become less frequent and less severe. Most people have been in contact with the virus responsible, herpes simplex type 1. If you do have herpes type 1 on your lips, the virus will remain there and you cannot re-infect yourself anywhere else in your body. Also you canno be infected by anybody else as you already carry the antibodies against it. Therefore no need to worry about getting the infection in your vagina. Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes type 2 and symptoms tend to be more severe with painful blister and systemic symptoms of malaise, fever, etc. You would know if you had it.
Best wishes,
Dr José
You are reading content posted in the STDs - International Forum
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.
