HSV transmission to child

[hopeforbest]

I have been reading this forum for a while and hope so much that transmitting herpes is vitually impossible without sexual contact, but I fear that this is not the case here.  Several years ago, when my daughter was 4, I had a herpes breakout on one cheek of my behind.  I had no idea what it was until I went to a dermatologist and he diagnosed it by appearance.  After that appointment I freaked out as I took daily baths with my daughter and shared a towel with her.  I had read that it could be transmitted via towels, etc. so I looked at her bottom and to my great horror there were 3 tiny blisters on one side of her bottom.  I made a pediatrician appointment but by the time he was able to see her there wasn't much to see.  He kind of looked at me like I was crazy and really couldn't give me a conclusive answer of course.  I put it out of my mind and hoped she didn't have it until about 6 years ago (at the age of 11), she told me she must have been bitten by some bugs because she had two very itchy bumps, one of each side of her labia.  I have on a couple of occasions since then noticed break-outs in her waistline area.  I know you can't tell me anything without testing her, but I was just wanting any input that you could give me.  As a mother, I am devistated to think I have passed this to her.  It has been a daily torment to me.

Thanks for your help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Three points indicate that your child's problem isn't herpes.  First, nonsexual transmission of genital herpes to children simply doesn't occur, or at least too rarely to be a serious consideration.  Second, if your child were infected at age 4, her problem now would have to be a recurrent outbreak.  But recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes almost never are bilateral--that is, the sores would have been on one side of her labia or the other, not both sides.  Third, recurrent herpes always reappears in pretty much exatly the same, limted area--such as a cluster of blister-like sores in involving the same area of the genitals, buttocks, etc every single time--not with scattered sores, especially around the waistline.

Bottom line:  Relax.  There is no realistic chance you infected your daughter or that her current problem is due to herpes.  If her skin lesions are bothersome (to her, not to you!) then take her to the pediatrician.  But this doesn't sound like anything serious.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[HelpMomof2]

Just want you to know you are not alone. I am a mother looking for answers on likelihood of transmission to children as well.  It is a terribly scary thing to wonder and worry about.  You examine every bump, pimple or scratch with your stomach in a knot praying that this isn't it.  Take care.

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A related discussion, spreading herpes II to newborn was started.

[hopeforbest]

Please e-mail me at ***@****.  I e-mailed you but am not sure it went through.  Thanks.