OB or somthing else?

[yogini3]

I have had HSV 1 genitally for 13 years. First OB painful, but no OB's since. Recently I was exposed to poison sumac on my arm, leg and hand. Around this time a small red rash appeared on the pink part of my vagina. Very mild but had some itchyness. No blisters, but I could feel raised skin where the rash was. I noticed some papercut like tears which I assume is from scratching.  The rash cleared within 2 days but left mild itchyness. Could this have been an OB? Or could it be poison sumac, yeast infection or heat rash (I started running)?

[gracefromHHP]

Believe it or not, there are research papers written specifically about allergies to always pads...lol. I get rashes from them myself but still prefer them over other brands so I keep using them and just slather on creams and use powder.  

just keep asking questions :)

grace

[yogini3]

I never thought of changing pads! I've used Always since i was 12 and usually get a rash. I just thought it was unavoidable. Thanks so much for your suggestions! I will definitely look into new pads from a health store, and try powder.

I think since I thought *all* issues down there was HSV related, I never thought that other things could be causing rash or itch (like yeast). I've only had a blood test last year and researched HSV 1. I am still learning what is/isn't HSV-related. I have had HSV paranoia for so long (every little issue)...
So, thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

sensitivities to feminine protection products is actually very common. Try switching brands. Try some of the unbleached cotton brands too that you find at health food stores.  companies are constantly changing suppliers and ingredients in things trying to cut costs.  Also sometimes it's helpful to powder your pad before using so that it cuts down on friction too.  Also a layer of barrier protection on your skin is also helpful - desitin, zinc oxide, a&d, bag balm, aquaphor etc. protect your sensitive genital skin  :)

grace

[yogini3]

Thanks for your advice! I actually think I have had yeast infection in the past and not recognized it. I assumed everything different down there was always due to HSV 1. I am realizing it's not and that it is hard being female sometimes. Around the end of menstruation i sometimes get what I can imagine diaper rash from my huge pads and sometimes tearing from the moisture.

Thanks again and I will try to get my PH in balance.

[gracefromHHP]

this is what happens when you get up off the couch and start doing that nasty exercise thing...he he he

Honestly hard to tell if this was your hsv1 going on, irritation, yeast infection or even poison ( I once had it really bad and laughed so hard at just where it showed up - you could see it in the shape of my fingers on multiple body parts - use your imagination....lol ).  At this point since you still have some itching, not a bad idea to follow up with testing for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally just to cover that base. Sweating from running with constrictive clothing can cause issues and paper cuts in the skin can be from yeast too.  sometimes it's just not easy being female :(    If this is a yeast infection, pick up some different running outfits and see if one type of fabric works better for you than others and/or after running, shower and then just put on a bathrobe and get fresh, cool air in between your legs to discourage yeast overgrowth.  

grace