Chaffing or Herpes?

[elise21]

I shave my vagina almost every other day to every couple days, completely bare. Also, I recently did a presentation for college on STI and was astounded that HSV is not included in the normal screening, being very upset and parnoid that I never have had symptoms other than what I thought was razor burn, I made an appointment to see my gyno and request a blood sample for HSV. I have been in a monogamous relationship for almost a year and neither of us have any herpe like symtpoms.

However two days ago, i shaved for the first time in maybe a week and I have since noticed an area close to my labia major that feels raw, does not hurt to touch but not itchy or burning, just kinda raw maybe a little tingle. I often feel like this tingle down the same sided thigh, IDK if this is all mental because I'm severally paranoid about stds or if shaving this often will in fact cause irritation and if it could be just from chaffing on my underwear? I notice it most when I am walking or standing for periods of times or after I have been searching for lesions.

[elise21]

It's the "Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection." that worries me. I really do hope this just a case of chaffing or razor burn or an ingrown hair. I guess the only way to know is to be tested, Tuesday can not come fast enough for me.

Thanks for your thoughts though.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like chafing rather than herpes blisters. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[elise21]

I also started tanning recently which I read sunlight can elicit herpes outbreaks... would artificial tanning do the same?