herpes transmission through light fabric

[nickname567]

I received a lap dance that lasted about 10-15 minutes.  I was wearing boxers and puma sport pants the whole time.  However in both my pants and boxers there's tiny holes you can see if you look close.  I understand that herpes virus can go through sheep skin condoms in intercourse.   Would there be any risk the virus could have transmitted through those tiny holes in the fabric of my pants and boxers? At 60 days I had an 8 panel test came back negative for everything.  This included a herpes select test which was also negative for both types. Ive had no symptoms, should I retest at 90 days? Thank you for your help

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Asymptomatic shedding in all people occurs at the approximate site of prior infection/lesions. this is a women had infection of her genital skin, that is where the asymptomatic shedding would occur.  Most infections do involve the genitals.  EWH

[nickname567]

Doctor I just have one last question and that will end my post.  When asympomatic shedding occurs in females, can it shed from the buttocks or does the shedding only occur in genital skin.  Thank you  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Herpes infections are not transmitted through secretions, they are transmitted through DIRECT contact. This is true both for lesions and with asymptomatic shedding.

The "studies" of HSV transmission through sheepskin condoms are old and out of date.  They show that in the lab the virus is small enough to pass through the condom when under pressure and in liquid.  I know of no cases when herpes has defintively been transmitted through a sheepskin condom.  EWH

[nickname567]

Thank you doctor for such a prompt reason. I just have a couple questions, is the reason studies say that herpes can transmit through sheep skin condoms because they automatically make the assumption it would be through intercourse?

Also when the virus is in the shedding stage, would it still be transmitted only through secreations?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  You are not risk for herpes or, for that matter, any other STD from the exposure you describe.  I know of no instances in which STDs, including HSV have been transmitted through fabric.  This includes sheer fabrics such as women's underwear, and included situations in which clothing is saturated with genital secretions.  At this time, the fact that you have not developed lesions of herpes, coupled with the negative HerpeSelect test at 60 days provide proof that you did not get herpes in this encounter.

Hope this helps. No need for further testing.  You are in the clear.  EWH