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Possible Herpes?
To begin, I have not had unproteted sex with anyone who has been symptomatic of or has known to have HSV-2.
For my menstural cycle, I use sanitary pads instead of tampons. Although it varies from month to month, by the end of my cycle, the pad causes me great discomfort, as in dryness of the area and itching. On occassion, the skin seems to be so dry it cracks. (I know the skin is dry because its flakes off everywhere). My question is, what is the likelihood that this crack could be more than just dry skin? I.E. A Genital Herpes infection? It seems to occur in the same general area (it might be from my stretching to look at the area), but it is not every month. It's in a place where the sanitary pad is constantly rubbing, in the hairy public area of the mons. Also, there is almost never any itching/burning before the crack appears and generally heals a day or 2 after I have stopped using the pads. I don't recall it ever really scabbing over. I will be going to the doctor Monday for a HerpeSelect test for my own peace of mind, but based on the symptoms, could this be herpes?
For my menstural cycle, I use sanitary pads instead of tampons. Although it varies from month to month, by the end of my cycle, the pad causes me great discomfort, as in dryness of the area and itching. On occassion, the skin seems to be so dry it cracks. (I know the skin is dry because its flakes off everywhere). My question is, what is the likelihood that this crack could be more than just dry skin? I.E. A Genital Herpes infection? It seems to occur in the same general area (it might be from my stretching to look at the area), but it is not every month. It's in a place where the sanitary pad is constantly rubbing, in the hairy public area of the mons. Also, there is almost never any itching/burning before the crack appears and generally heals a day or 2 after I have stopped using the pads. I don't recall it ever really scabbing over. I will be going to the doctor Monday for a HerpeSelect test for my own peace of mind, but based on the symptoms, could this be herpes?
HerpeSelect
HSV-1 Negative
HSV-2 Negative
It has been 6 months since my last potential exposure to HSV. If it possible that this could be a false negative or are false positives more common?
HSV-1 Negative
HSV-2 Negative
It has been 6 months since my last potential exposure to HSV. If it possible that this could be a false negative or are false positives more common?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The scab/bleeding description doesn't make any difference; once a sore of any cause (trauma, herpes, other infecttion, etc) starts to heal, they all look identical and behave the same.
A positive blood test won't say anything about whether your genital lesion is due to herpes. Most people have HSV-1 from childhood.
HHH, MD
A positive blood test won't say anything about whether your genital lesion is due to herpes. Most people have HSV-1 from childhood.
HHH, MD
I went to the doctor today and had blood drawn for the HSV-1 & 2 serology test. I won't know the results for another week, however, I noticed that laceration did scab over today when I accidently ripped it off while in the bathroom. It bled (very little, mind you. Almost non-bleeding.) Does this still sound like it could be herpes?
Also, if it turns out to be HSV-1, will I need to go on antiviral medications?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This doesn't sound like herpes. Herpes is the most common cause of genital ulceration overall, but not when another obvious cause is apparent.
On the other hand, conceivably you are having outbreaks that are more prominent because of irritation by the menstrual pad. As you already are planning, the HSV blood test is the way to know whether or not you have HSV-2. If negative, you can be sure herpes isn't causing the symptoms you describe. If positive, HSV-2 may or may not be the cause; in that case, a trial of antiherpetic therapy might be helpful. But that's getting ahead of things. Wait for the test result.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
On the other hand, conceivably you are having outbreaks that are more prominent because of irritation by the menstrual pad. As you already are planning, the HSV blood test is the way to know whether or not you have HSV-2. If negative, you can be sure herpes isn't causing the symptoms you describe. If positive, HSV-2 may or may not be the cause; in that case, a trial of antiherpetic therapy might be helpful. But that's getting ahead of things. Wait for the test result.
Good luck-- 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.
