herpes?

[someone71]

I have a rash on my inner thigh I thought was jock itch. It is quite sore. Yesterday, white blisters appeared. I went to the emergency room for std tests, suspecting herpes. They didn't tell me anything concrete, but said it looked likely to be herpes. They prescribed a strong antibiotic and valtrex. I am waiting for test results now, and I very concerned. Today, blisters are mostly gone, and pain is less. Could it be anything other than herpes? Is it possible to spread herpes before you have an actual outbreak, say, three days after you come into contact with it? thanks

[someone71]

I went in immediately to have it looked at by a doctor. During the worst part of the outbreak, with lots of white blisters, red rash and soreness, the nurse took two swabs. For one, she swabbed the skin over the blisters for the other, she broke a blister and swabbed the fluid. After a week, the results came back: Negative. Can I believe this? I've read this test often gives false negative results do to lack of active virus, but wasn't my timing perfect for active virus, if I had any? Don't know what to do next, because my wife is pregnant and I'm worried about passing it to her if I have herpes. Thanks.
    P.S. I was given a strong antibiotic, and a week of 1000mg valtrex. Symptoms soon got better. After a week, I only see peeling, dead skin over the entire area and some slight reddishness. Is this too soon for herpes to heal, even with Valtrex? Any info helps. Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur which usually can occur after 2-20 days after exposure, they typically appear as one or more blisters. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur.

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.