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Herpes?
In the last year, I had a recurring rash (3-4 different times) in the fold of my buttocks above the anus that sometimes cracks, feels like a paper cut, but is not really ichy or painful except to touch. My problematic has been syptoms that sometimes coincide but sometimes seem to be independent of the rash such as complete exhaustian, brainfog, recurring headaches and recurring back pain, pain in the lower abdomen, and very noticable shooting pains in both my legs and tingling in the genital and buttocks area. My dermatogalist saw the buttocks rash and when I asked about herpes, she thought seriously doubtfull and was not impressed and thought might be a touch of psoriasis. The rash really is no big deal but the other symptoms, especially sudden onset of leg pain, back pain and brainfog and exhaustain are really taking a toll on my life. I don't know where to turn. Do you think these symptoms are do to herpes? Is it common for people to have recurring generalized symptoms like this due to HSV2 that are more bothersome than the lesions or in my case rash? I thought about a blood test but that doesn't tell me if these symptoms and the rash are due to herpes.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Don't misunderstand my reply; I did not say you have herpes and I do not believe you do. You're the one who raised that possibility, not me. Although herpes can occur in such a location, it is not common, and many other skins conditions are more likely. Eczema might be a possibility. But there are literally hundreds of kinds of skin rash, and probably 10-15 causes that are common enough to be possible. Stop trying to guess or to figure it out by asking me or any other online source. If your own provider can't make a clear diagnosis, see a dermatologist.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You have heard or read about certain medical conditions, and because the symptoms sound similar, you are inappropriately assuming that one of them must be present. You are ignoring a large number of dermatologic conditions you probably never heard about. And you certainly don't have Lyme disease!
It simply is not possible for a medically untrained person to read about certain symptoms then diagnose themselves. Stop speculating. The purpose of online advice is not to help people to diagnose themselves.
As far as what sort of provider to see, I already said "If your own provider can't make a clear diagnosis, see a dermatologist."
It simply is not possible for a medically untrained person to read about certain symptoms then diagnose themselves. Stop speculating. The purpose of online advice is not to help people to diagnose themselves.
As far as what sort of provider to see, I already said "If your own provider can't make a clear diagnosis, see a dermatologist."
From what I read, my symptoms sound like lyme, MS or similar deal. The sudden onset in the last year and the variety of the symptoms make me wonder if this is some type of virus. I work with the puplic sometimes with individuals from homeless shelters and get pretty close given the work I do (handling same materials). What type of specialist should I go to with the variety of symptoms I have had that seem to have a derm. aspect but mostly sensory? You once recommended an infections desease specialist or should I go to a nuerologist. Thanks for your help. I just want to make sure it is nothing serious.
that is helpful although sad for me as I'm single and already have a tough time dating and I am sensitive to the sexual stigma. Could it be eczema? does that come and go?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Herpes certainly could occur in that location and the frequency of outbreaks is consistent with that possibility. However, the opinion of a health care provider who actually has examined someone is much more reliable than anything I can say; and psoriasis looks quite different than herpes. On the other hand, psoriasis doesn't come and go.
The other symptoms probably are unconnected with the rash. Recurrent herpes doesn't do the things that you describe, definitely not leg pain, back pain, exhaustion, or impaired concentration (assuming "brain fog" means something like that).
What to do? First, see your doctor within 1-2 days if the rash reappears. Almost any skin condition can look like almost anything once a few days go by; the earliest appearance could show obvious herpes that wasn't so obvious at the time you were examined.
Second, have an HSV-2 blood test. I disagree with your reasoning about it. YIf negative for HSV-2, it will prove herpes isn't the cause of any of your symptoms. If positive, most likely the rash is herpes. It wouldn't be proof, because you could have asymptomatic HSV-2 plus some other rash. But you can sort that out if the result is positive.
Whatever you do, please do not expect herpes or any other STD to explain the other symptoms. Most likely these two problems are entirely unrelated. (Unless the non-rash symptoms are due to anxiety -- i.e. fear of herpes, since you are concerned about it. But definitely not due directly to an HSV infection.)
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
The other symptoms probably are unconnected with the rash. Recurrent herpes doesn't do the things that you describe, definitely not leg pain, back pain, exhaustion, or impaired concentration (assuming "brain fog" means something like that).
What to do? First, see your doctor within 1-2 days if the rash reappears. Almost any skin condition can look like almost anything once a few days go by; the earliest appearance could show obvious herpes that wasn't so obvious at the time you were examined.
Second, have an HSV-2 blood test. I disagree with your reasoning about it. YIf negative for HSV-2, it will prove herpes isn't the cause of any of your symptoms. If positive, most likely the rash is herpes. It wouldn't be proof, because you could have asymptomatic HSV-2 plus some other rash. But you can sort that out if the result is positive.
Whatever you do, please do not expect herpes or any other STD to explain the other symptoms. Most likely these two problems are entirely unrelated. (Unless the non-rash symptoms are due to anxiety -- i.e. fear of herpes, since you are concerned about it. But definitely not due directly to an HSV infection.)
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs 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.
