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STDs (Expert Forum)
condyloma & herpes??
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.
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Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
condyloma & herpes??
by vrrd, Oct 25, 2007 11:03AM
I had unprotected penile vaginal intercourse about 3 months ago. I noticed a small flat whitish bump on penis about one week after this incident. I got a battery of tests about 2 weeks after the potential exposure for many things including HSV 1 & 2 & HIV all of which were negative. I was still concerned about this bump. About 10 ago (~86 days after the incident), I returned to my GP and requested a f/u HSV 1 & 2 (IgG) test & HIV test. The HSV-1 & HSV-2 came back negative, the HIV is still pending. I also saw my dermatologist and she suggested a biopsy, but thought that it was nothing to worry about. The biopsy results were indicative of condyloma. After the biopsy, I had swabbed the incision area with hydrogen peroxide and triple antibiotic cream, per instructions. I saw the dermatologist again because I noticed a few areas near the incision which have "bubbled-up". The dermatologist swabbd the area and states that it may be herpes. My question is, given the time frame from potential exposure, the sequential IgG tests, and the new appearance of symptoms, can it be Herpes or a reaction to the triple antibiotic cream? Thanks for your help..
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 25, 2007 09:10PM
, Oct 25, 2007 09:10PM
The sequence of events is against herpes, and some other localized infection (staph?), or irritation or an allergic reaction to one of the topical edications, seems more likely. However, dermatologists know herpes very well, and maybe if I had seen the lesions, I would agree herpes is possible.
Given the dermatologist's suspicion, most likely the swab included a test for HSV. Wait for that result then discuss the situation with the dermatologist. If it's positive, deal with it then. If negative, you could have a third blood test for HSV in another month or so, i.e. ~4 months after your sexual exposure and ~1 month after the appearance of the blister-like lesions. If both that test and the swab test are negative, you will be able to put herpes to rest.
For what it is worth, you didn't catch your genital wart during the sexual exposure a week previously. It takes at least a few weeks (2-3 weeks minimum) for warts to show up. However, you likely were infectious with HPV when you had sex. If you know your partner or are able to locate her, you should let her know that you exposed her to an active wart virus infection.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Given the dermatologist's suspicion, most likely the swab included a test for HSV. Wait for that result then discuss the situation with the dermatologist. If it's positive, deal with it then. If negative, you could have a third blood test for HSV in another month or so, i.e. ~4 months after your sexual exposure and ~1 month after the appearance of the blister-like lesions. If both that test and the swab test are negative, you will be able to put herpes to rest.
For what it is worth, you didn't catch your genital wart during the sexual exposure a week previously. It takes at least a few weeks (2-3 weeks minimum) for warts to show up. However, you likely were infectious with HPV when you had sex. If you know your partner or are able to locate her, you should let her know that you exposed her to an active wart virus infection.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Member Comments (5)
by vrrd, Oct 25, 2007 09:26PM
To: vrrd
Thanks for your info. I have contacted this person. My second of two IgG HSV blood test was done at 86 days post incident, I was not aware that HSV tests were suggested up to 4 months past a potential exposure, thanks for that bit of info. I am quite anxious about the results and have no choice but to deal with the consequences of my actions. The dermatologist was quite perplexed and that's why a swab was taken, but no reassurance was really discussed which makes me quite worried. Does the potential outcome for herpes change if there were no lesions present until 5-7 days after the biopsy for the condyloma was done (~97 days post incident) and I started putting on creams and such?I appreciate your time and consideration.
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 26, 2007 01:30AM
, Oct 26, 2007 01:30AM
I suggest you stop speculating and await the test results, first from the swab and then, if necessary, another blood test. You are correct that HSV antibody usually is detectable at 3 months (86 days is close enough). But sometimes it takes longer. However, although I am by no means certain, my bet is that you don't have herpes.
by vrrd, Oct 31, 2007 01:54PM
To: M.D.-HHH
I know it can vary but, about how long do results from swab tests for HSV usually take? I tried calling three days after the swab was taken but the results have not come back yet. At 86 days post-incident my blood work for HSV1 results are 0.36 & HSV2 was 0.07. This was ~10 days prior to the appearance of anything....Thanks for your time Doc. I'll keep you posted on the developments..
by vrrd, Nov 05, 2007 09:54AM
To: M.D-. HHH
The cultures for HSV were negative. Thanks for your advice and help. This website helps a lot of people & I just wanted to let you know that your time & effort are truly appreciated.
by vrrd, Mar 19, 2008 07:55AM
A related discussion, recurring condyloma was started.
