Recurrent Staph?

[tan723]

I'm posting here because I was uncertain which forum to use. Anyway, back in June of 2008 I went to my derm with numerous sores on my legs and a few on my back. they were red, swollen, some blisters and quite painful. He said it looked herpetic. He took a culture. It turned up negative for herpes and positive for staph. I was placed on antibiotics and eventually the sores healed. Well recently, the sores have been reappearing. Just to be certain, I got a blood test for herpes type 1 and 2 which were both negative. My derm put me on another round of antibiotics which helped some but the sores keep sprouting, on my legs, arms and back. I'm also using bactroban which also helps a little bit but not much? What could this be? Is this some bacterial infection that won't go away? I have another appt next week to get more tests done. They have been coming and going for about a month now.

Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Sorry, I don't have any further thoughts about what might be going on here.  Waiting for more symptoms and going back for another bacterial culture seems to make sense to me.

This will be my last post on this thread, best of luck to you,

Terri

[tan723]

ok, the culture and the blood tests were both negative. the lesion seems to be responding to topical bactroban. Unfortunately the doc just did a viral culture so he only knows its not herpes. What could this be? Is it bacteria that lays dormant and presents every now and then. Is there some long term anti-biotics I can take? im really confused. He said to wait for another episode and come in for another culture. I can't really seek a 2nd opinion due to my insurance circumstance.

thanks!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

the swab test that was taken for herpes should have been sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), not just looked at under a microscope.  Was that done, do you know?  You mentioned culture, it would good if was really PCR which is far more sensitive and readily available through the national labs.  Try not to freak out - as far as we know so far, by antibody test, you are still negative.  If the swab test is positive, let me know, OK/

Terri

[tan723]

ok, now im really confused. The biopsy didn't reveal much and I keep getting these recurrent  dispersed lesions. The locations range from my ankles to my lower back. My original culture back in June of 2008 was negative for herpes. I currently have an active lesion on my upper left buttox. I went to the doc today. He took a sample and viewed under the microscope. He said as far as he can tell it definitely appears herpetic. He took a culture for further lab testing. I'm just really confused. It really does look herpetic but my recent blood tests were negative (<.90) for both type 1 and 2. I just took another test today and should have the results soon. I'm really freaking out here.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I doubt it, best to wait and see what the biopsy shows, let me know, OK?
Terri

[tan723]

My doc took a skin biopsy today. He's still convinced it appears herpetic although the IGG tests were negative for both types and I've never had a cold sore or genital lesion. I do have psoriasis so he thinks it could something along the lines of herpeticum. I was reading up about it and it seems pretty rare. Would it be accompanied with fever if it were indeed herpeticum?


thanks again

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

This certainly doesn't sound like herpes from what you've told me here, especially in light of their location (kind of all over the place) and your negative antibody tests.  I think your decision to go back and get more testing done is a very good one - try to sort out what's going on here.  I certainly see patients who have a blistery rash that is staph, though they are very concerned it could be herpes.  Sounds like your dermatologist is on the right path to trying to help you sort this out.  They may now try to do some testing to see if the bacteria is sensitive to the medicines that you are taking, or if there might be a slightly better one.  Sure hope you get this resolved - it sounds annoying!

Terri