Herpes Itch?

[Tiguin84]

Drs-

Gay male here. My last STI panel included an HSV test, which I don't normally do as I've never had any symptoms. It came back HSV-2 negative, but HSV-1 equivocal. However, it was run so far since my last exposure (over three months), that the doctor I spoke with said that since I'd never had any symptoms (oral or genital) and the value was so low (.94, I think), I could treat it as a negative and didn't need further testing.

It has remained in the back of my mind, though. I've only been with one person since then, my current boyfriend. We only have unprotected oral/mutual masturbation. He tested negative for HSV 1 and 2 about 8-10 weeks past his last exposure, and since then, we've been monogamous.

A couple days ago, I started noticing an it h in my groin. It is generally located at the spot where the right base of my penis meets my body/scrotum. The itch can also sort of feel as though it runs down the line/crevice on the right side of my scrotum where it attaches to my body. No other symptoms; I can't see any lesions, sores, bumps, etc. no rash or redness. The itch itself is neither painful now powerful (I don't notice it 24/7.) I did shave my groin/scrotum a week ago, and originally thought it was due to that, but I don't think the itch would last that long due to that.

1. Do you think it's possible I have GHSV-1? That my equivocal was actually a positive?

2. I know Dr. Handsfield says general itch without lesions isn't a herpes symptom, but this itch seems fairly localized, which is why I'm worried. Should I be?

3. How obvious are sores/lesions? Any chance that I could have them and not see then with my naked eye (I've been examining myself pretty thoroughly). What if I'm atypical and itch is my only symptom?

4. Should I get retested?

5. Safe to continue having unprotected mutual oral with my boyfriend?

Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help.  Take care. EWH

[Tiguin84]

I'll do my best to heed your advice and quit my worrying. Many thanks, Dr. Hook.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

1.  No, this is not a concern.  Dry skin itches. The irritation of repeated manipulation/self examination can also cause itching itself.

2.  No, I would not worry aobut other STIs  EWH

[Tiguin84]

Also, I tend to notice the itch more when I'm walking/moving than when I'm not, so perhaps it's just general chafing?

[Tiguin84]

Thanks for your advice, Dr. Hook. I know most of what I feel is likely anxiety, but I wanted to check. I am hopeful that the itch is either anxiety driven or the result of my shaving, and that if I put my worries out of my mind, it will dissipate. Two more quick questions:

1. I noticed today tiny flecks of dry skin near the itching area (though not necessarily on it). Is that cause for herpes concern? Or is it just normal/likely due to all the touching I've been doing in my examinations/some other thing?

2. If not herpes, is there any reason for me to be concerned about another STI (that is, do my symptoms sound like anything else?)

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I agree with the advice your physician has given you.   The HSV blood test at the level you mention is quite likely to represent a false positive result.  I doubt that you have HSV and if you do, that it represents a genital infection.  The odds against you having a genital infection are so great that I would not worry if I were you.

With respect to your specific questions:
1. Do you think it's possible I have GHSV-1? That my equivocal was actually a positive?
See above. nearly all equivocal tests are, in fact, actually negative.

2. I know Dr. Handsfield says general itch without lesions isn't a herpes symptom, but this itch seems fairly localized, which is why I'm worried. Should I be?
No, I agree with Dr. Handsfield.  Over the years, one of the things I have learned is that when a person starts to look for "abnormal" sensations, they notice sensations that they overlook otherwise.  These sensations are often manifest as itching.  To demonstrate this, I suggest you stop for a moment and focus on the sensation that wearing a watch (if you do) or that your clothing elicits on your shoulders.  Typically you’ll notice an itch you would not have noted otherwise.  The power of suggestion is a strong force.  

3. How obvious are sores/lesions? Any chance that I could have them and not see then with my naked eye (I've been examining myself pretty thoroughly). What if I'm atypical and itch is my only symptom?
The majority of people do notice their HSV sores. The problem and reason that so many infections are missed is not noticing them but that people then attribute them to other causes.  

4. Should I get retested?
No, I see no reason to do so.

5. Safe to continue having unprotected mutual oral with my boyfriend?
Yes.
I hope these comments are helpful. EWH