Herpes?

Internet websites concerning herpes are scary.  I went to the doctor about three weeks ago convinced I had herpes and was diagnosed with a yeast infection.  This is not to say I am still not worried about having herpes.  I have never had sex, but I realize that hepes can pass other ways.  Therefore, I am wondering what herpes looks like on the hands.  Occasionally, I will notice red bumps (that itch) and then scab within a few days.  Oddly, the scabs are characteristically a line running through the bump.  They aren't clustered, just kind of in random spots (1-3) on either hand (although they do seem symmetrical).  Other times, I won't notice bumps at all, but simply pinpoint scabs.  I am worried about these sores because I gave my boyfriend a "hand job" when one was present (although it was on the back side of my thumb). Also concerning me is my lips.  They appear chapped, but on closer inspection seem to have tiny raised (seemingly clear/slightly white) patches of skin.  I would call them blisters, but they don't have the characteristic pus that I've heard signify herpes.  Their size seems weird..no bigger than the tip of a marker.  But I did notice a pinpoint scab on my lips much like the ones that occur on the back of my hands. I would like to believe this is dry skin, but that may be too idealistic.  Occasionally, I develop small, localized red rashes beneath the skin on my palms and fingers that burns like crazy.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

First, genital herpes is transmitted only one way:  by having sex with an infected person.  Non-intercourse sex sometimes can transmit it, so some technical virgins--people who have had oral sex or genital apposition without penetration--still can get it.  But if you haven't done those things, you needn't have worried about herpes when you had your yeast infection.

Herpes infections of the hands are extremely rare; you definitely don't have that and you cannot give herpes to anybody by hand-to-genital contact.  In the history of medicine, it has never been reported.

Oral herpes (cold sores) is common, usually acquired in childhood, not sexually acquired.  But you are right, chapped lips doesn't sound at all like oral herpes.

As to the cause of the rashes on your hands, I really can't say much.  The standard advice applies:  see your health care provider about both the chapped lips and the hand rash.  But in the meantime, don't worry about herpes.

Good luck--   HHH, MD