Can products with SLS be utilized as skin protection against HSV2?

[Ross3358]

Doctor,
   My girlfriend has had genital Herpes for ten years. She has been taking Valtrex for a number of years, and now has no breakouts. I don't have genital Herpes, but I do have HSV1 on the lips. I'm amazed that there is no topical cream that one can use to protect the "boxer shorts" area from STDs. There is a product called AMARI, but it is not FDA approved, and looks dodgy. I believe a substance called SLS (found in toothpaste, soap, and shaving cream) kills the virus. Could slightly-dampened soap be smeared on the skin for protection? How about shaving cream rubbed into the skin? Both of these products do not affect the skin on my genital area. Both seem to create a film on the skin.
   How about a light covering of Petroleum jelly on the above-mentioned area? I realise this might weaken a Latex condom, but perhaps with the goal being to cover the largest possible surface area of the groin, it might be a reasonable compromise. Can the virus get through white petroleum?
   Lastly, what about soap first and then a covering of light petroleum over that? Would the combination of the two be a problem in any way? Would any of these products affect my girlfriend in her genital area? Without any products on the market, it falls to the layman to come up with something.
Many thanks for your help.
Ross3358

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm not clear about petroleum jelly in particular, but it is good to use adequate lubrication with sex to avoid too much friction that might break down the skin and make it vulnerable to infection.  I would recommend something water soluble and really wet, rather than vaseline.

Terri

[Ross3358]

   Thank you for your advice, Nurse Warren. My girlfriend has HSV2. I have had an anti-body test, and it has come back negative for HSV2 on two separate occasions (one three weeks ago, the other 1 and a half years ago). I ,of course, tested positive for HSV1 (mouth only).
   I did not feel any skin irritation with shaving cream or soap in that area, but I suppose "feeling" is no concrete evidence that the skin is not experiencing microscopic breaks. I guess the friction of intercourse might create microscopic tears.
   What about petroleum jelly? Has it been known to cause irritations on the skin, and does it insulate against viruses like HSV2? I realize one is compromising a latex condom, but perhaps it is a reasonable compromise.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Do you know if your girlfriend has HSV 1 or HSV 2 genitally?  Have you actually had an antibody test to determine that you are not infected with HSV 2?  If not, you should.  Because you have HSV 1, if you acquired HSV 2, it would likely be with limited or no symptoms.  So deciding if you have herpes based on symptoms that you've noticed is often inaccurate.  

I give you credit for your creativity for sure, but I'm not at all clear that the ideas you propose would be helpful in reducing transmission.  You must be careful, when thinking about this, that you don't use something on the very vulnerable genital that is irritating, causing microscopic breaks in the skin, and instead of reducing transmission, actually increase the risk.  

Terri