Herpes?

[Seekingsomeclarity]

I just had sex with someone who has HSV-2. We had sex 5-6 times over the course of 3 days. We used condoms every time. He is not yet on suppressive therapy.

I am concerned that I may have herpes. I have had 4 small red bumps that appear to have a white center. i have noticed 2 on my left inner thigh and another 2 on my right labia majora. 2 of them (ones on the thigh) were very sensitive to touch and hurt when walking, as my pants rubbed against them. they are also somewhat painful to the touch. this sensitivity only lasted a day or two. the 2 bumps on the labia didnt hurt at all. i have expereced some dull, achey pain in the area as well.  there was some itching prior to the bumps appearing but i thought maybe it had to do with my new soap (which has caused some irritation)and recent shaving (i shave 2-3x/week). additionally, not all 4 bumps presented at once, they have staggered over the course of a week.  the 2 on my right labor have essentially gone away, or more accurately decreased in size so much that you can barely see them. they do not resemble blisters at all. more like really small pimples with a white center. there is just one bump left on my left thigh.

to complicate things, i have HSV-1 and get coldsores when stressed. i am taking exams now and have been taking valtrex off and on for the last couple of weeks to stave off any coldsores.  i also contracted molluscum 5 yrs ago (got them frozen off) but was told that recurrence almost never happens. tho, these bumps dont resemble the molluscum bumps i had back then. i went to see my dr. who said that my bumps" look like razor bumps. i have looked on the internet, but there are no pics of mild symptoms of HSV2. it kinda sounds like i have folliculitis, but with all the achiness and itching, it might be herpes.

1)does this sound like herpes? if so, could the valtrex make my symptoms milder than they would be otherwise?

2)does herpes usually present in "clusters"? my bumps appear to be disparately placed.

3)also what if my partner touches his penis and then touches my vagina (assuming there's no outbreak but there is asymptomatic shedding), could he transmit it to me this way? i'm wondering how long the virus stays active one one's hands...

4)i have read that those with HSV1 have some "immunity" against HSV2? is this true?

thank you so much for your time and consideration.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

1)does this sound like herpes? No.
if so, could the Valtrex make my symptoms milder than they would be otherwise?
I doubt it.   Besides, it doesn't sound like herpes.

2)does herpes usually present in "clusters"? my bumps appear to be disparately placed.
Herpes usually has grouped blisters.

3)also what if my partner touches his penis and then touches my vagina (assuming there's no outbreak but there is asymptomatic shedding), could he transmit it to me this way? I'm wondering how long the virus stays active one one's hands...
Theoretically possible, but really, really unlikely.

4)i have read that those with HSV1 have some "immunity" against HSV2? is this true?
No, not to any meaningful extent.

For peace of mind, I suggest you get yourself checked out, so you can relax.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Seekingsomeclarity]

also, is HSV-2 found in semen?

[ryn21]

You might just be experiencing folliculitis, which can be painful sometimes.  If they look more like pimples, they are likely folliculitis.  Blister type sores, that break open and heal to a scab are symptoms of herpes.  Herpes doesnt clear right up either.  Symptoms vary, though.  In regards to immunity, I believe it pertains to those with HSV 1 on the lip have some immunity to getting it elsewhere on the body.  Same goes for HSV2.  You might want to check the STD forum in here because I believe I read this recently from the Doc.  Hope everything works out fine for you, Im sure youre ok.  In the meantime, get a type specific HSV test done (herpeselect) to put your worry to rest.