HSV or something else

[cestlavei11]

HI,

I recently posted a question about whether or not I had HSV after unprotected sex with a new partner. Last MD felt that it was not HSV and I tested negative for hsv 1 and 2 on a herpeselect test at 18 and 79 days (still kind of early to be 100% sure).

I continue to get these reoccurring rashes all over genital area ever since this one time encounter. I have never had one before sex with this person, and it's reoccuring, which makes me feel that it may be herpes (i pray it's not!!). It feels more like jock-itch, or diaper rash: slight itching, starts with redness around anus and entire genital area feels raw and burns (even urethra or vaginal opening - that area anyway). I also have some milky white, thicker disharge and I get the rash all up my panty line on both sides.  I started getting this rash 1-2 days after the sexual encounter and it lasted about a month, and then I've gotten twice since (seems like every other month and lasts about 3-4weeks).  It's really dry and I actually do have really bad eczema (had for years) on the back side of my legs. i'm also hypothryoid and have severly dry skin and prone to yeast infections.

I'm going again in April for another herpeselect blood test and general exam (it will be 111 days from the possible exposure), but in the mean time, do you think I just haven't seroconverted yet and is there a chance this could be herpes (just with uncommon symptoms), or do you think it's something else...and if so, what could it be!!!???

Thank you in advance for any information or advice you can give me! This has caused a lot of stress and anxiety, depression in my life lately.

Do you think this could be herpes (so far, no blisters, but I know that symptoms can very).

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Thank you so  much for following up with me.  I hope your symptoms continue to improve.

Terri

[cestlavei11]

RE: HSV test results March 31st

All tests came back normal....or negative for HSV1 and 2.
OBGYN suspects I may have excema? She gave me some type of rx salve (I think with cortisone in it) and it seems to be helping. Thank you again for the info, and I just wanted to follow up with you since I had said I would.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You're welcome.  Look forward to your post.
Terri

[cestlavei11]

Thank you again. I will post the results from April. I very much appreciate your info!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm still not at all convinced that this problem is herpes.  Yeast still seems a more likely explanation to me.  It will be good to get another negative test in April  and you will feel more reassured.  

Terri

[cestlavei11]

Thanks for responding!
The Medhelp MD did not give detail as to what it might have been except that I definately had symptoms of yeast infection, but he did not conclude either way if that was the reason for the rash. He said to get tested again, but he was doubtful that it was hsv. On the initial obgyn visit (18 days post possible exposure), I got tested for all std's and got pap w/ hpv test and everything came back negative. By that time, the initial rash had cleared up and I was negative for uti and yeast infection as well. Last time I went to my gynecologist (79 days post) my rash was almost completely cleared up again, but she did see redness and discharge and said it looked like a yeast infection and prescribed diflucan and some topical ointment. I can't really say if the medicine really helps or not (to know if it is yeast because it's responding to treatment), it seems like it clears up on its own either way. Do you have any ideas, or have you seen this problem before? I know its definately related somehow to sex with this new partner. I have not had sex since then and this was back in November.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I doubt that this is herpes, given the lack of specific symptoms and lesions and your careful watching.  But you are correct that a test farther out will be more accurate.  Have you tried treating yourself for a fungal infection?  89 days out is a goodly amount of time, and should be quite reliable, though you may want to test again.  What did the MD think it was if not herpes?  Were other STD tests done?

Terri