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Does this sound like Herpes?

Answered by
H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. -
University of Washington Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
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MedHelp Member's Question
Does this sound like Herpes?
by SpitfireXVI, Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
i had extensive trama (papilae scraped off, to the point where the tongue bled) to one part of my tongue and this all occurs withen those boundries i've had these symptoms for about 4 months now ( about 3cm by 8cm )
1 of the many cycles lasted started Aug16th - aug30th
consistanly almost heals, then about .5- 2 weeks later it grows out again
starts out with the papilae turning white it feels a bit weird so then end up rubbing my tongue against the top of my mouth alot it comes off, then it grows outward and moves along the damaged area at the same time the parts that were damaged before heals as it moves along
White edges as more as of the papilae comes off, and a little red on the inside.
1.5cm'
dots approx 2-3mm apart
dots stay entire time (may just be the larger fungiform papillae)
each dot is aprox 1mm
i've never noticed them to pop or scab over
quite spaced out
all exactly the same size
feels a little raw but there is no pain
feels rough agianst lips
there is usually a little red line once it is almost healed between the boundry where the depression heals last
(sometimes there is a boundry on both sides of where the wound occuried and then it comes from two sides)
this is usually where it will start from again.
no change in taste
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
By "extensive trauma", do you mean a burn or other injury?  Or are you just referring to the symptoms that you describe?

Assuming no direct injury, your symptoms sound like either an allergic reaction or perhaps a yeast infection (thrush); the latter would be especially likely if you are HIV infected or at risk for HIV, for example if you are a gay man or otherwise at high risk.  If you have HIV or are at risk, please go get it checked out as soon as possible.

It doesn't sound like anysual advice applies:  see a health care provider if the problem persists.

Good luck--  HHH, MD
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Member Comments (10)
by SpitfireXVI, Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
i meant to say the the affected area is usually 1.5cm in diameter or more, can happen from two ends of the previous wound at once too...
by SpitfireXVI, Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
if it is a cold sore... because before i knew it was i had touched it then touched my gental region and there was some silvia could that give me gentail HSV?
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
No, the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) generally cannot be self-transmitted ("autoinoculation" is the medical term) to other parts of the body, except when the infection is brand new.  Even with new infections (less than 1-2 weeks duration), it is rare.

Oral herpes (cold sore, fever blister) does not occur inside the mouth; with rare exceptions, it is limited to the lips and around the mouth and nose.  (And, to respond to an anticipated question from some viewers:  canker sores are not due to herpes.)

HHH, MD
by SpitfireXVI, Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
i have been tested for hiv... at the time period of 6 months, i have nt had sex since then so i dont think it's hiv
by SpitfireXVI, Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
i became worried about hiv 4 months ago and ended up scratching off the top layer of my tongue in one area
by SpitfireXVI, Oct 21, 2004 12:00AM
about 7 months ago i had a random encounter (i've only been with two people) used a condom -- but how does one get over the guilt and fear ? i keep losing nights of sleep and stuff.... and stuff like the tongue thing happened where i got obessed with it and dammaged my tissue.
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 22, 2004 12:00AM
The best I can offer is reassurance that nothing serious seems to be going on.  That's a first step in "getting over the fear and guilt", but may not be sufficient.  You may want to see a psychologist or other mental health provider, but I'm certainly not an expert in that arena.

Good luck--   HHH, MD
by SpitfireXVI, Oct 23, 2004 12:00AM
So herpes cannot occur ont he tongue?
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 24, 2004 12:00AM
Hard to say "never", but extremely rare; in 3 decades in this business, I have never seen a case.  In any case, your symptoms don't sound much like herpes.

HHH, MD
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