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HSV Photo ID?
Hi there,
So two years ago I had the worst fiasco of my life where I had a false-positive test for HSV2. None of my partners tested positive, and after seeing 9 different doctors over the course of 6 months during which the abdominal/pubic rash never did clear, I tested negative and was given a acyclovir-antibiotic-steroid-antifungal regimen to clear the thing up. No recurrance after that for a full 18 months. The last doctor I saw thought it had to be HSV, though she couldn't explain the negative test results.
Now I have a slight rash in a nearby area, and I'm wondering if somehow it's HSV related. I snapped a picture of the current sight of inflamation--its been like this about 4 days. Any idea if it's herpic or just generalized folliculitus? Mild itching (though not at the site), no tingles, no burning, no pain, no pus, scabbing, crusting or oozing.. Just the unseemly swelling.
Thoughts?
So two years ago I had the worst fiasco of my life where I had a false-positive test for HSV2. None of my partners tested positive, and after seeing 9 different doctors over the course of 6 months during which the abdominal/pubic rash never did clear, I tested negative and was given a acyclovir-antibiotic-steroid-antifungal regimen to clear the thing up. No recurrance after that for a full 18 months. The last doctor I saw thought it had to be HSV, though she couldn't explain the negative test results.
Now I have a slight rash in a nearby area, and I'm wondering if somehow it's HSV related. I snapped a picture of the current sight of inflamation--its been like this about 4 days. Any idea if it's herpic or just generalized folliculitus? Mild itching (though not at the site), no tingles, no burning, no pain, no pus, scabbing, crusting or oozing.. Just the unseemly swelling.
Thoughts?
It was another IgG2 test, at least that's what I requested, though not the HerpesSelect test...some different manufacturer and different method of score. My levels were in normal range, which is considered a negative test.
My Doc. also emphasized that if I -did- test positive, there would be no way to prevent transmission; I use condoms and was being careful at the time, showering with antibacterial soap after. He said lifetime celibacy was the only real option to prevent spreading the virus
My Doc. also emphasized that if I -did- test positive, there would be no way to prevent transmission; I use condoms and was being careful at the time, showering with antibacterial soap after. He said lifetime celibacy was the only real option to prevent spreading the virus
Get another IgG. If you have it, you can take steps to prevent from spreading it. If you don't have it, one less thing to worry about.
What kind of test was this last one?
And the "6 months later" part does make a difference for sure, assuming you took the right type of test. Was it immuno blot?
What kind of test was this last one?
And the "6 months later" part does make a difference for sure, assuming you took the right type of test. Was it immuno blot?
The subsequent test after the WB was six months later, and it was normal. So, I'm scared to death yes, but I'm also confused. I've talked to my doctor & psychiatrist about retesting, and both are against it. They think it would be too upsetting and pointless.
I just don't want to infect anyone else with anything. I don't want to have to be alone.
I just don't want to infect anyone else with anything. I don't want to have to be alone.
I'd test again for sure. IgG or a Western Blot. Sounds to me as though you have questions here regarding whether or not you are actually infected. It's widely known that the Western Blot takes up to 40+ days longer than an IgG to pick up early infection. It stands to reason that your low positive test was drawn while you were still forming an antibody response and this would also make the Western Blot reading you received very likely.
My guess is that you're negative based in the fact that you haven't had a recurrence in 18 months. But in wouldn't be shocked if your next IgG is positive.
Any test would be conclusive by now. Go get checked.
My guess is that you're negative based in the fact that you haven't had a recurrence in 18 months. But in wouldn't be shocked if your next IgG is positive.
Any test would be conclusive by now. Go get checked.
Well the Western Blot was inconclusive. "Atypical." But the test I took after was negative.
You didn't mention a negative Westernblot; you are negative.
The rash is not herpes related for sure.
The rash is not herpes related for sure.
Thank you fleetwood.
I've seen no pus, but have monitored progression of the lesion. Basically, there are three sores. I DID see two pinpoint white heads, one on the middle, the other on the sore just below it. I never did see any kind of pus or other fluid.
I've had IgG testing which came back with a low positive, but those results were overruled by a Western Blot & additional test, (not herpeselect...don't know which one). I was told both by my doctor and an expert here at MedHelp (the paid version) that I was negative. It doesn't explain the rash though...
I've seen no pus, but have monitored progression of the lesion. Basically, there are three sores. I DID see two pinpoint white heads, one on the middle, the other on the sore just below it. I never did see any kind of pus or other fluid.
I've had IgG testing which came back with a low positive, but those results were overruled by a Western Blot & additional test, (not herpeselect...don't know which one). I was told both by my doctor and an expert here at MedHelp (the paid version) that I was negative. It doesn't explain the rash though...
I don't mind having a look.
This looks to me to be much more like a hair follicle issue. Is that pus inside each of those pimples that is on a hair follicle? If it is white pus then almost certainly they are not herpes related.
That is hence independent of whether you have genital herpes or not.
Did you have the proper IgG testing to confirm a clear negative for HSV2?
This looks to me to be much more like a hair follicle issue. Is that pus inside each of those pimples that is on a hair follicle? If it is white pus then almost certainly they are not herpes related.
That is hence independent of whether you have genital herpes or not.
Did you have the proper IgG testing to confirm a clear negative for HSV2?
Strange...I've been encouraged to add them before...
http://s3.amazonaws.com/medhelp_images/user_photos/500757_tn?1408395566
I'll try anyway
http://s3.amazonaws.com/medhelp_images/user_photos/500757_tn?1408395566
I'll try anyway
You can post photos in a new link, e.g. Photobucket, Dropbox, etc. Most participants on this forum won't look at them; certainly I will not.
But my understanding is that Medhelp never permits photos of lesions, rash etc on the public personal pages.
But my understanding is that Medhelp never permits photos of lesions, rash etc on the public personal pages.
This is a community forum and most users have no formal medical training, so we don't look at posted photos -- and anyway MedHelp won't allow them on your personal site, which intended for a face photo or avatar only. They will be deleted shortly.
Based on your story, I see no reason to be concerned you have herpes. But see a doctor in person if you remain concerned about it.
Based on your story, I see no reason to be concerned you have herpes. But see a doctor in person if you remain concerned about it.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
