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Recurrent, long-lasting herpes outbreaks
Hello,
Earlier this year I developed a red, itchy rash in my pubic hair. The doctor told me it was probably an allergic reaction and put me on cortisteroids, which didn't help much other than bringing the redness down. I was told that it was probably a nickel or cobalt allergy, and given an allergy patch test. However, the test came back negative. At that time I was getting small clusters of lesions that would start off as redness, turn into vesicles, then scab over. The problem was that as soon as one lesion would scab over, another would form. This went on for about two months.
After the last of the lesions healed, I had about a month and a half with no lesions. However, I did have some mild redness and itching at the same site during this "clear period", but that would come and go.
After a month and a half with no lesions, they came back in the same place and I went to the doctor again. This time I went to another doctor, who seemed convinced that it was not an allergy, but herpes. I requested that he do a zanck smear. He looked at it under the microscope for at least 10 minutes, and didn't seem very happy with it. He said things like "this is not a very good example of a herpes smear, but I can see some signs that it is herpes". He put me on zovirax. I took the meds, which didn't do much, and I was still not completely convinced about the diagnosis.
That was about a month ago. The lesions that he saw are almost completely healed, but now new lesions are forming, just like before. If my previous outbreak was any indication, I have at least another month of this to look forward to. I really don't want to go back to the doctor because they all seem to be acting on assumptions and not trying to recognize that my case is not exactly normal for HSV (at least in my opinion).
My question is this: Is it possible that these lesions take a month to heal, then form new lesions with little or no reprieve, dragging on through two months or more? When I'm "clear" should I still have redness and itching in that area?
I will admit that these lesions do look like herpes. They itch, they hurt, and they follow all the stages normally associated with HSV. But the severity and duration seems unusual.
Thank you--
Earlier this year I developed a red, itchy rash in my pubic hair. The doctor told me it was probably an allergic reaction and put me on cortisteroids, which didn't help much other than bringing the redness down. I was told that it was probably a nickel or cobalt allergy, and given an allergy patch test. However, the test came back negative. At that time I was getting small clusters of lesions that would start off as redness, turn into vesicles, then scab over. The problem was that as soon as one lesion would scab over, another would form. This went on for about two months.
After the last of the lesions healed, I had about a month and a half with no lesions. However, I did have some mild redness and itching at the same site during this "clear period", but that would come and go.
After a month and a half with no lesions, they came back in the same place and I went to the doctor again. This time I went to another doctor, who seemed convinced that it was not an allergy, but herpes. I requested that he do a zanck smear. He looked at it under the microscope for at least 10 minutes, and didn't seem very happy with it. He said things like "this is not a very good example of a herpes smear, but I can see some signs that it is herpes". He put me on zovirax. I took the meds, which didn't do much, and I was still not completely convinced about the diagnosis.
That was about a month ago. The lesions that he saw are almost completely healed, but now new lesions are forming, just like before. If my previous outbreak was any indication, I have at least another month of this to look forward to. I really don't want to go back to the doctor because they all seem to be acting on assumptions and not trying to recognize that my case is not exactly normal for HSV (at least in my opinion).
My question is this: Is it possible that these lesions take a month to heal, then form new lesions with little or no reprieve, dragging on through two months or more? When I'm "clear" should I still have redness and itching in that area?
I will admit that these lesions do look like herpes. They itch, they hurt, and they follow all the stages normally associated with HSV. But the severity and duration seems unusual.
Thank you--
From WebMD--
"The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test looks for pieces of the virus' DNA. It's an accurate test, but doctors have not decided how it should be used to diagnose genital herpes, so it's not the preferred method."
I must admit, I have no idea what this statement means.
"The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test looks for pieces of the virus' DNA. It's an accurate test, but doctors have not decided how it should be used to diagnose genital herpes, so it's not the preferred method."
I must admit, I have no idea what this statement means.
Then what? Please throw out a few possibilities. Just give me some disease names to work with. Syphillis? HIV? Flesh-eating bacteria? What should I be getting tested for? My team of doctors (five so far) obviously need some help in what they should be looking for.
And as I understand it, blood PCR can detect herpes. Why would the hospital offer it if it is completely useless? I understand that it is not 100% accurate. But not useful at all? Is giving herpes to my girlfriend the only way I will ever get an accurate result?
And as I understand it, blood PCR can detect herpes. Why would the hospital offer it if it is completely useless? I understand that it is not 100% accurate. But not useful at all? Is giving herpes to my girlfriend the only way I will ever get an accurate result?
Herpes is not a blood borne virus. It is not going to be detected in the blood thru pcr. That's why a pcr blood test is a total waste of time outside of research or in newborns. If that was the way you were tested, you need a proper test done and whoever ordered you a pcr blood test for herpes needs more education on herpes testing so that they aren't repeating this error int he future.
this sounds more than herpes even if you do have genital herpes which is what I've been saying all along.
grace
this sounds more than herpes even if you do have genital herpes which is what I've been saying all along.
grace
Even if it was a waste of time, I find it extremely unlikely that this was ever herpes. The lesion that made me go back to the hospital in the first place just recently cleared up after several months, and left a hypo-pigmented area that is flaking off what looks to be dry skin. Herpes doesn't do that. Or am I wrong about that, Grace?
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
