New mom and panicking about HSV-1

[ASid221]

Hi,

I have had HSV-1 for some years now (8-9 years). At first I was getting them frequently but through the years I did not get them often. The last one I had was about 2 years ago. I recently gave birth and about a week after I started to feel a tingling on my lips. So I immediately called my doctor and got a prescription for Valtrex. I took the valtrex and no break out occured but the tingling remained. So I went to the dermatologist and she prescribed more valtrex with a higher dose. At this point I started getting tingling in my hand (thumb and index finger). I can't remember if it was caused by the valtrex or if I have HSV-1 on my fingers. Never had a break out on my fingers before but I am just paranoid that at some point in my life I may have transmitted to my hands since I didn't know how contagious it was when I was younger.

Anyways. I have had the tingling on my lips along with redness for two months now with not break-out and been on and off with Valtrex and Famvir. Now I am feeling tingling sensations in other part of my hands but not as intense as when it was on my index and thumb.

My biggest concern is my son. I don't want him to get this from me. I've lost a lot of sleep and continue to stress out about this. None of the medications are working. I am washing my hands so much I keep getting cuts and then panicking about the cuts! I keeps changing my clothes throughout the day too. I just want to know if I have it on my fingers or not but will never know unless I have a breakout which i dont..

Also, can the virus spread to other parts of my face?

[Life360_Dave]

No its not possible

[ASid221]

Thank you for your help. But why would I have tingling in the same area I get a cold sore. I feel like I am about to get a sore but I stop it with Zovirax ointment and Valtrex.

Also, when I'm in the shower Im always worried water will drip from my mouth to my breast and I might end up getting a sore there. Is this possible?

Thanks,
Asid

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, the virus does not spread. And almost always appears in the same location, give or take an inch. Once its in one area, like oral, a person is basicly immune to contracting it in another area.
Constant tingling is not a symptom of herpes and thats way the meds are not helping.
Dont worry about the baby, just be careful when you have a lip sore and kissing him.
As for hand herpes, those most at risk for this are in the dental profession.