Herpes Information

[HomeRunDerby]

I am trying to obtain reliable information. I think I have an inflammed hair follicle. It is on the shaft of my penis at the base. It is round and red and only one is present. I am involved in a relationhip with a woman, not my SO and she does experience a few oral cold sores each year. I have no history of cold sores. Last week we had very intense deep kissing and later oral sex. I. want to know whether the round red spot on the base of my penis is likely a primary HSV infection. I thought that inital infection would likely be more than one such as a cluster. I also thought that with the deep kissing I would have oral symptoms. She currently has no signs or ymptoms of a cold sore. I appreciate receiving information

[gracefromHHP]

the more you are thinking hsv1 genitally, the more you are fueling your obsession about this.  you were seen and were told it's not herpes. If you didn't have hsv1 prior to contracting it genitally, typically it presents in a very "classic" manner that is very easy to recognize. Just because your partner has hsv1 orally, doesn't mean that you had to have contracted it genitally.

[HomeRunDerby]

I am trying to work through this situation with a minimum amount of fear. I am working to accept the visual diagnosis of inflamed follicle. I also would like additional information about genital HSV1 to increase my understanding

I think I read that genital HSV1 rarely recurrs and there isn't much asymptomatic shedding. I would like to know whether this is correct and how this impacts my situation

[HomeRunDerby]

Grace:

I appreciate your comments and information

[gracefromHHP]

not having oral symptoms doesn't mean anything actually. Most folks who contract oral herpes, don't get obvious symptoms to know it.

you were seen and the provider didn't feel this was herpes related. no reason for valtrex.

[HomeRunDerby]

Grace:

I really appreciate your stright forward response and information

I have a couple of follow up issues for your comment

I have been reading and researching using only Dr HHH and Dr Hook as my source

I have read that genital HSV1 typically doesn't recur and sheds much less often. Thus I was considering taking the valtrex as a precaution. I read that Dr HHH doesn't suggest long term valtrex for genital HSV1 so I was only considering this short term as a precaution. I am now leaning against the valtrex and accepting the visual diagnosis. I will still likely request a blood test at my annual physical

The second issue is whether you agree that the fact I didn't develop any symptoms on my lips despite a significant amount of kissing is further support that it isn't HSV

I again appreciate your time and information

[gracefromHHP]

no reason to take valtrex at this point if a culture wasn't done. you were seen and examined and they didn't feel that it was herpes going on.  herpes typically does not have a hair in it and obviously this does that the diagnosis of an inflamed hair follicle was given.  

if you want peace of mind, follow up with herpes igg blood testing 3 months after the last time you had sex.

grace

[HomeRunDerby]

I followed the advice and was evaluated by my internist today. The diagnosis is inflamed follicle. I also spoke with a friend who is a general practice physician and he suggested I still take valtrex as a precaution. I am undecided on this issue. I again appreciate information and advice

[gracefromHHP]

actually hsv1 genitally presents the exact way as hsv2 genitally does. the only way to tell the difference is in the lab.

bottom line is you need to be seen and get a proper exam done to find out what is going on.

grace

[HomeRunDerby]

I am very scared and confused. I can't understand why it is only one spot on the base of the shaft. There is nothing on my mouth and the kissing was much more intense. She doesn't have any visible symptoms. I will avoid my SO for now. I don't want t oput her at risk. We use condoms and I think I read that genital HSV-1 doesn't usually recur. I am scared and need reliable information

[kdaily]

HSV1 is actually less severe during an outbreak much different than HSV2. Honestly the only way you can know is to see a doctor for a diagnosis, it can be anything from an inflammed hair follicle to HSV1. try to go before the bump heals, you can also get a blood test.