Understanding My Test Result

[azoe17]

Today I was told that I tested positive for herpes by IgM test. I don't really understand my results at all. I used Lab Corp. I have two bumps around my left thigh. I had two bumps in these exact spots before when I was not sexually active. These bumps started out identical to the ones before but they change over time, unlike my bumps before. Now they are red but not small. I don't have any other simples for herpes. This is why I got tested. Below is a copy of the my test results for herpes. What do you think? Does this mean that I have it?  

              TESTS                  RESULT     FLAG     UNITS     REFERENCE      INTERVAL
HSV, IgM I II combination       1.27           High      Ratio         0.00-                  0.90
                                                                         Negative                           1.09
Herpes Simplex Virus I II, IgG
HSV I/II, IgG                          <0.9                      Index          0.0-                    0.8
                                                                         Negative                            1.0

I have heard that my numbers are too low to say that I have it. And Also that IgM is not reliable. And that equivocal means nothing I received equivocal for my IgG.  But I really am not sure. Should I get more test?
What do you think? I really am so confused. I don't know what is right or wrong. Please help!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

It is very hard to tell what these bumps might be without direct examination and for me to guess or give you a list of possibilities is not appropriate.  Most lesions which are descibed as the ones you describe turn out to be folliculitis.  The lesion you describe does not suggest herpes in any way.  I would suggest you talk with your own doctor if you are concerned.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'll be please to help you with your test results.  They clearly show that you do not have herpes, either HSV-1 or HSV-1.  The IgM test results are not reliable (I really wish they would not offer them, their results are typically misleading) and should be ignored.  the IgG test results show that you do not have antibodies to herpes viruses.

As for the bumps, they do no sound at all like herpes either

You have nothing to worry about, you do not need further testing and do not have herpes.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Sorry for the typo.  I meant to say that your tests show that you do not have HSV-1 or HSV-2.

As far as wehere to test, either is fine as long as your doctor is careful to order a gG-based specific test such as HerpeSelect.  EWH

[azoe17]

Thanks so much Doctor. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. This is my final question. Would you recommend getting tested through places like Lab Corp, or should we always have our Doctor order the test for us? And just to be 100% clear. I am pretty sure that you meant to say this. But I don't want to assume what your words mean. When you answered my original question. You said I don't have HSV-1 or HSV-1. Did you mean to say, HSV-1 or HSV-2? I am pretty sure that this is what you meant. But I just didn't want to assume anything. Thanks

[azoe17]

I had one more question concerning the bumps. They really do make me nervous. I just wanted to describe the bumps in clear detail. I have two bumps on my inner left thigh, not too far from my penis. The first bump that appeared, was large and dark red. It was a little sore but not much. I put proactive on it. The bump shrunk and turned into a red spot with a very faint small white dot inside. No puss or liquid came from it. When I touched the red spot there was a little blood there. Now the red spot is OK and it continues to get smaller and is starting to get dark around the edges of the bump. But not on the bump itself. The other bump was larger than the first bump. It had no color at all. It was just the color of my skin. And it was very hard at first. I also put proactive on this bump, and it shrunk turned red and had a very faint small white dot inside of it. But no puss or liquid at all. My skin is starting to dry up around the second bump, but it is still red but it is starting to shrink. What can this be? You said I did not have to worry about having herpes I or II. I have only had unprotected oral performed on me twice in the last couple of months. No sex at all.  Any explanation would be appreciated.
Thanks

[azoe17]

Thanks I was very nervous. Especially about the large bumps that shrunk and turned red and then another color.