Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

herpes and neuropathy

Dear Doctor, For about two years now I have what can only be described as intermittent neuropathy symptoms (tingling, sensation in both hands and feet, burning skin sensation and the occasional shooting pain) confirmed by nerve conduction tests.  At the same time I have also been concerned that it might be related to an STD although my GP did not seem to give this notion much credence.

I have been tested for everything but not herpes. In fact I have had the occasional red patch/small rash (but not blister) on my upper thighs during this time.

More recently, in the past few days I have had a slight irritation at the tip of my penis/urethra along with itchiness/redness which went away after applying some standard over-the-counter cream. At the same time my neuropathic symptoms have returned, although the last time I had similar symptoms on my penis (about a month or two ago) this did not happen - the neuropathy symptoms have not necessarily coincided with the appearance of this rash or possible 'herpes symptoms'.

I have read  in other threads and elsewhere that herpes can be linked to neuropathies. I have also read that it tends to be related to shingles or in the case of HSV, always linked to an outbreak/occur at the site or can it be generalised? So far my doctors have not given me much guidance in this matter. Please help.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

The are associations between herpes virus infections an neuropathies but they are very rare.  Varicella zoster virus (the chicken pox virus) is much more commonly associated with neuropathy.

As for the relationship between the lesions you noted and genital herpes, the fit is not "perfect" but there are elements that suggest this could be a possibility.  Persons with recurrent herpes can get "prodromal" symptoms of tingling and discomfort which precede an outbreak of their herpes--this is not a neuropathy however and does not last beyond the acute outbreak.  What it sounds like you have is present most of the time, perhaps with increases and decreases in intensity and is a more classic neuropathy which can be proven with specialized tests (the nerve conduction tests - I say this for the benefit of others who may be reading this and wondering if they have it, not for you).  

So, is it possible--yes.  What do do?


Work with your neurologist.  There are many causes of neuropathy and genital herpes is among those that cause it very rarely.  In addition, you could have both herpes and neuropathy but for them to be unrelated to each other.  If the  redness of your penis recurs, you should have a herpes culture.  As said, a blood test will tell you if you have herpes but not whether it is related to your neuropathy.  If you don't have herpes, then the possibility is a non-starter.  If you do, you could explore this further with your neurologist.

I hope this helps as a starter.  This is a complex issue which is best dealt with between you and your health care provider.  EWH
Helpful - 1
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm not trying to be evasive but I think the right thing to do is to work with your neurologist to start to sort this out, including whether or not you have HSV.  The issue is a complex one and for me to start down the "what if" path before you have further information or the chance to work with you physician would be a disservice to you and inappropriate for me.  EWH
Helpful - 0
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm not trying to be evasive but I think the right thing to do is to work with your neurologist to start to sort this out, including whether or not you have HSV.  The issue is a complex one and for me to start down the "what if" path before you have further information or the chance to work with you physician would be a disservice to you and inappropriate for me.  EWH
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for that reply Dr, it goes some way to easing my fears. WRT the possibility of herpes does it matter that the symptoms I have only started to occur several months from the time I may have caught it (ie sex with someone other than my partner about two and a half years ago)? Also, the recent symptoms (v small area of redness at tip of penis) only started to to occur in the last couple of months? Moreover, it has been over a decade since I had sex without a condom with someone other than my partner.

Thanks again for your help.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum

Popular Resources
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.