help!

[flavio35]

Dear Dr.

I hope you can relieve my concern.

I have had protected anal sex with roughly 5 people, four of them were one off and the other man was roughly 5-6 times. I was on top.

I was very worried about genital herpes. I have never had any symptoms and my Dr told me not to test due to the possibility of false positives. Indeed, doctors at freedom health have spoken to me and they have said that I do not have herpes.

The last exposure was almost 11 months ago.

Today, half way down my right thigh I noticed that my skin was more sensitive and slightly warmer. It does not cause pain and if I was not focusing on it, then I do not think I would notice it.

I have been using a different shower cream as I do have sensitive skin. My dermatologist prescribed me with an anti bacterial scrum and a moisturising emollient and I was not using them for roughly 5 days.

I just worry that this skin sensitivity may be due to herpes but as I said I had never had any outbreak before and all sex was condom protected.

Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Last answer.

No change in my assessment. There is no reason for concern that this might be due to HSV.  EWH

[flavio35]

Just thought I'd give you an update.

The sensitivity is virtually gone, just. A little bit in the middle of my thigh.

Does that change your position?

I carried a lot of luggage yesterday with quite a llot of weight, so perhapss that caused it by damaged a nerve? Is that possible?

[flavio35]

Thanks Dr.

Last question - has what I have ever been associated with herpes? Hoping you will say no as this wil allow me to put everything at ease!

Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I o agree with your octors and dthe ones at Freedom health.

Your skin finding are not a prodrome.  Please stay off the interent.  It will not help. EWH

[flavio35]

Sorry - meant to ask. This sensitive skin on my leg is not a pdrome symptom is it? doing a search on the internet simply worries me.

[flavio35]

Thank you Dr. No, they were not online but over the telephone.

I will just try and keep busy and hopefully the symptoms will dissipate. Often, I think if one focuses on something, then the sensation can become stronger.

Thanks a lot. I think I just worry.

My Dr and the FH doctors have said that in absesne of symptoms, plus condom protected sex, and the timing of exposures (some going back two years) I should, just forget herpes as it is not a credible risk. Do you agree?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum. I tried to view your interactions with the Doctors at Freedom Health in our International STD site and could not find it but I suspect I would agree with all the advice they have given you.  I also agree with your doctor in recommending against blood tests for HSV for exactly the same reason he/she gave.  

As for your current symptoms, they do not suggest HSV either.  If you had acquired HSV from the protected exposures you mention (unlikely to happen with condoms), your symptoms should be penile, not on your leg.  Further, symptoms of HSV typically occur within 2 weeks of exposure, not after 11 months.

Bottom line, nothing you report suggests HSV.  I suggest you look for some other cause including your skin products.  I hope this helps. EWH