Herpes or other issue?

[meinanutshell]

I am wondering if somebody can point me in the right direction. I went on a rigorous hike in a foreign country (Peru) and unwillingly had unprotected anal sex and protected vaginal sex. I was intoxicated beyond reason and was not aware of what really occurred. Hygiene during the camping and hiking was not the great either. After that encounter, about 7 days later (at home in the U.S.) I had formed a small red rash on my vulva. I did have some symptoms of a yeast infection, but that usually happens after I have had sex the first time after abstaining for awhile. I am not normally a sexually active person but have had some routine testing prior and always came back negative. Since I was concerned of being at risk at this point I saw a doctor and he advised me to put some monistat or other similar cream on it. He didn't think it looked like herpes. At that time, I got tested for Aids, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonnorrhea just to check out a few options since I insisted. They all came back negative. He gave me an antibiotic for it in any case. After the first day of being on the antibiotic I felt some tingling in my thighs and buttocks, but this occurred only afterwards and not before the rash appeared. I also got a flu shot at the time and ended up with a light fever and flu like symptoms which is usual for me following the vaccination. As I started the treatment of cream and antibiotic the rash became a small cluster of scabs which were sore and sensitive to the touch. They were never open sores though. I then decided to go to a gynecologist to get it checked out again. He looked and decided that it didn't look like herpes and if it was herpes it was not typical, but would have the test done, I believe the test was taken 13 days after exposure. The blood test came back negative but to be sure he requested I come back at the 45 day mark. I also insisted he do a swab that same week and that came back negative as well. However I read that if it is already crusted over, it is not fresh enough to get an accurate result. So, after all these test were done, I had to wait it out. Since then I have had some discomfort in the vulva, area, all symptoms seem to be external, occasional tingling and itching in the buttocks and thighs with no apparent sores. I did have one small sore come back and go away fairly quickly after the first cluster disappeared. However, the first small cluster to the left of the vulva took about two weeks to fully heal. I haven't had any sores since. At 7 weeks following exposure I went back to take the blood tests for herpes (general and type specific) and also asked to be checked for a yeast infection. Everything came back negative. I was also retested for Aids and Syphillis and they came back negative again. I have not had any recurrent fever. My doctor is convinced it is not herpes given the results of the tests and my symptoms which are not typical of herpes. I have had more than one doctor tell me they don't think it's herpes. My gynecologist  recommended I see a dermatologist for the itching and rash, especially since there are no internal symptoms. I saw a dermatologist and she gave me a steroid prescription to help with what she thought was a dry skin irritation, however, at the time my symptoms in the vulva area subsided so she did not do a thorough examination of that area. I am also not using soaps to clean the area, just water as advised by the dermatologist. I have also been on antidepressants for three months now to help me deal with the trauma of the incident. I have had some nausea and lots of itchy skin but this can be a side effect of the medicine. This has been going on for awhile. I have put over the counter creams and ointments on but it doesn't seem to help. It seems to worsen when I am under the covers (warmer), sitting, or wearing tighter clothing. My skin is now sensitive to the elastic of my underwear. It is also uncomfortable for me to sit for long periods of time and for awhile I felt a slight soreness in my left leg just under my buttocks. The tingling is not as often but when it does occur, it is usually after I have been sitting. I still have itching and burning, discomfort in my vulva area as well as in the area where the buttocks meet the thighs and the inner thighs and between the vagina and the anus. There are no apparent internal issues.The rash on the legs from dry skin disappeared. So the dermatologist asked me to call if the symptoms persist.  I did and she advised some lighter ointments as she thinks the creams were too strong. This doesn't seem to help either so I think I need to go back to see the dermatologist for an examination. It is just slightly pink from the ointment and scratching of the affected areas but I see no other apparent visible symptoms. This is getting really annoying. The dermatologist doesn't think it is a side affect of the antidepressants but nobody can diagnose me. Another doctor suggested a slight sciatic nerve issue but that doesn't explain the itching. I never had any suspicious discharge or burning with urination either. Also, I have been in contact with the guy in Peru via email and he had some similar symptoms but said he had never had them before. I asked that he get tested for everything. He said he did and everything came back negative on his end and all his symptoms have gone away. So here is my question, what can be the cause of this itching and discomfort in these areas? I know I am talking in circles but it's hard to explain. Please let me know if I need to clarify anything. Thanks.

[meinanutshell]

Thanks. I did as you suggested and got some helpful issues. The doctor doesn't seem to think it's herpes. I need to look into some other topical dermatological issues.

[meinanutshell]

I got type specific blood testing at exactly 7 weeks following exposure. Is that too soon or is that reliable and it could be something else? Apparently the person who this happened with had tests done and everything was negative on his end.

My results were concluded negative and the doctors don't see this as a typical herpes case.  

Component Results

Select
Component Value Flag Low High Unit
HSV-1 IGG ANTIBODY < 0.9 < 0.9 Index
HSV-2 IGG ANTIBODY < 0.9 < 0.9 Index

Both were negative.

The doctor seemed to be convinced that I don't have it and that 45 days was enough to get conclusive results. I think he thinks my current problems are now psychosomatic.

[Bobby_Digital]

not really sure, but if you want good info, I'd post on expert forum on the right. it cost $15 and you'll have to shorten your story way down but they can best answer your question on this site.

Good Luck.

BD