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Herpes outbreak 10yrs later
10 years ago I was told through a blood test that I had HSV 1 after having an outbreak on the inside of my labia during a very stressful time, my dad had just had a heart attack. I was devastated and it took many years for me to be intimate again. 3 years go I had a small shingles outbreak on my butt, which I know is another strain of herpes, not sure related to my recent outbreak??
I never had another genital outbreak until 5 months ago on the outside of my labia where my pubic hair is. I was shocked, I was recently married and just bought a house so maybe the stress brought it out. Then today I woke with one bump and some itching for a couple days before. I just took on a new roll at my company and maybe it's stress because I am healthy and rarely get sick.
I am concerned this is going to be frequent although I am confused with my bodies reaction after 10 years of no outbreak then this.
Have you seen other cases like this and can you tell me through your research if I will start having more regular occurrences?
I look forward and appreciate your response.
Thank you,
Judy
I never had another genital outbreak until 5 months ago on the outside of my labia where my pubic hair is. I was shocked, I was recently married and just bought a house so maybe the stress brought it out. Then today I woke with one bump and some itching for a couple days before. I just took on a new roll at my company and maybe it's stress because I am healthy and rarely get sick.
I am concerned this is going to be frequent although I am confused with my bodies reaction after 10 years of no outbreak then this.
Have you seen other cases like this and can you tell me through your research if I will start having more regular occurrences?
I look forward and appreciate your response.
Thank you,
Judy
Ok. One last question. Do you notice any pattern from the fact the I had 1 occurrence 10yrs ago and then an outbreak of multiple bumps 5 months ago and now only 1 bump that is barely a blister, looks like possible puss and red at the base.
Could this one be folliculitis or just a less severe outbreak?
You mentioned that most likely I won't have a reoccurrence soon(hopefully) is that more likely because this outbreak is less severe or only based on the average of outbreaks for HVS1. Is there any trigger that would cause a reoccurrence so many years later?
Thank you again for your help.
Could this one be folliculitis or just a less severe outbreak?
You mentioned that most likely I won't have a reoccurrence soon(hopefully) is that more likely because this outbreak is less severe or only based on the average of outbreaks for HVS1. Is there any trigger that would cause a reoccurrence so many years later?
Thank you again for your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
OK, I think this clears things up. I'm pretty confident you are correct that both your recent outbreaks were recurrent herpes. The first was visually confirmed as probable herpes by a professional and the second 5 months later sounds like it was pretty much the same.
I doubt you have acquired HSV-2. You haven't been at obvious risk for a new infection. And while on average recurrent genital HSV-1 outbreaks are uncommon, I stress average. Having 2 recurrences only 5 months apart remains consistent with an average recurrence rate of once every few years, typical for HSV-1. Most likely you won't have any more in the near future.
Therefore, I would recommend sitting tight for now. But if you have another within a year or so, I would recommend a prompt visit to your doctor (within 1-2 days if possible) for testing of the lesion for HSV; or if that isn't feasible or if a swab test is negative, have a repeat blood test for both HSV-1 and 2. (You could discuss this again with your doctor, and perhaps show her this thread -- and pre-arrange for her office staff to be sure and work you in promptly in event of a new outbreak.)
I doubt you have acquired HSV-2. You haven't been at obvious risk for a new infection. And while on average recurrent genital HSV-1 outbreaks are uncommon, I stress average. Having 2 recurrences only 5 months apart remains consistent with an average recurrence rate of once every few years, typical for HSV-1. Most likely you won't have any more in the near future.
Therefore, I would recommend sitting tight for now. But if you have another within a year or so, I would recommend a prompt visit to your doctor (within 1-2 days if possible) for testing of the lesion for HSV; or if that isn't feasible or if a swab test is negative, have a repeat blood test for both HSV-1 and 2. (You could discuss this again with your doctor, and perhaps show her this thread -- and pre-arrange for her office staff to be sure and work you in promptly in event of a new outbreak.)
Yes, the symptoms from the initial diagnosis 10 yrs ago were, itching from inside which I thought was a yeast infection, I was given pills for that and within a day I had bumps that turned into blisters and then open lesions inside my labia, very painful. I knew it was not a yeast infection and was referred to a OBGYN who specialized in Herpes and STDs. I was tested from the lesions and my doctor said I have HVS 1, that this happened most likely from the oral sex, I don't have the report anymore since it was so long ago but I could probably ask her for a copy.
As far as the outbreak 5 months ago, it was similar except that the bumps appear on the outside where my pubic hair is. The symptoms were, itching a day or 2 before, followed by one bump farther down on my labia and then within the day I had several more bumps on that same side and one or two slightly inside that filled with fluid and eventually burst and scabbed over (not as painful as I recall from the inside outbreak years before). The Doctor I went to was a different physician from 10 yrs ago and I told her my history, she said it was herpes but she did not test the lesions.
My current symptoms: itching in the same area outside on the same side, 2 days later I found 1 bump that I can't tell if it has fluid but it is red and itches, ( I have been putting the Lidocaine cream that was given to me 5 months ago which helps with the itching, last night I slept well, no itching and today less itching mostly if I touch it and the bump is still there, it hasn't burst open. No other bumps have formed.
Based on my first experience 10 yrs ago it seems quite similar in the progression but not inside.
It is highly unlikely that it would be a new STD unless my partner of 5 years has cheated on me, we work together and are rarely apart so I am 99% sure this is not the case.
So I am very confused...did I develop HVS 2 somehow, maybe from a prior partner 5-6 yrs ago although I didn't have unprotected sex at that time? I have had very few partners. Is it possible that my husband had it without knowing, and passed HVS 2 to me although he has no symptoms and as far as I know has been monogamous?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
As far as the outbreak 5 months ago, it was similar except that the bumps appear on the outside where my pubic hair is. The symptoms were, itching a day or 2 before, followed by one bump farther down on my labia and then within the day I had several more bumps on that same side and one or two slightly inside that filled with fluid and eventually burst and scabbed over (not as painful as I recall from the inside outbreak years before). The Doctor I went to was a different physician from 10 yrs ago and I told her my history, she said it was herpes but she did not test the lesions.
My current symptoms: itching in the same area outside on the same side, 2 days later I found 1 bump that I can't tell if it has fluid but it is red and itches, ( I have been putting the Lidocaine cream that was given to me 5 months ago which helps with the itching, last night I slept well, no itching and today less itching mostly if I touch it and the bump is still there, it hasn't burst open. No other bumps have formed.
Based on my first experience 10 yrs ago it seems quite similar in the progression but not inside.
It is highly unlikely that it would be a new STD unless my partner of 5 years has cheated on me, we work together and are rarely apart so I am 99% sure this is not the case.
So I am very confused...did I develop HVS 2 somehow, maybe from a prior partner 5-6 yrs ago although I didn't have unprotected sex at that time? I have had very few partners. Is it possible that my husband had it without knowing, and passed HVS 2 to me although he has no symptoms and as far as I know has been monogamous?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm still not 100% clear on the initial diagnosis. In addition to the blood test, are you able to say exactly what the test from the lesion was? A positive culture for the virus? In any case, the diagnosis seems clear, based on both the diagnostic tests and your exposure at the time.
To date you've had a very typical course for genital HSV-1. Unlike HSV-2, genital recurrent outbreaks are uncommon -- having no outbreaks for 10 years is pretty common.
But you still don't give me enough information to confirm that your outbreaks 5 months ago, or the current one, are herpes. Were you examined professionally? On either occasion, were the lesion(s) tested for HSV? How did the lesions develop and evolve? Blister to pimple to sore or scab? Over what period of time? Were both in pretty much the same location?
However, the shingles diagnosis sounds pretty good, especially with the kind of pain you had plus lesions on the thigh as well as buttock. Both of these features would be uncommon for HSV.
There is no point in another blood test for HSV-1, which would be positive (and even if negative wouldn't change anything). And I see no reason at this point to suspect you have also acquired HSV-2 somewhere along the line. Have you been at risk for a new STD in the past year?
To date you've had a very typical course for genital HSV-1. Unlike HSV-2, genital recurrent outbreaks are uncommon -- having no outbreaks for 10 years is pretty common.
But you still don't give me enough information to confirm that your outbreaks 5 months ago, or the current one, are herpes. Were you examined professionally? On either occasion, were the lesion(s) tested for HSV? How did the lesions develop and evolve? Blister to pimple to sore or scab? Over what period of time? Were both in pretty much the same location?
However, the shingles diagnosis sounds pretty good, especially with the kind of pain you had plus lesions on the thigh as well as buttock. Both of these features would be uncommon for HSV.
There is no point in another blood test for HSV-1, which would be positive (and even if negative wouldn't change anything). And I see no reason at this point to suspect you have also acquired HSV-2 somewhere along the line. Have you been at risk for a new STD in the past year?
Hi Dr. Handsfield
I just wanted to check that you had seen my response to your questions.
I am really interested to hear your thoughts.
Thank you.
I just wanted to check that you had seen my response to your questions.
I am really interested to hear your thoughts.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for your quick response. I tried to respond last night but it didn't go through apparently.
In regards to your questions:
1. Yes, I am certain that my OBGYN tested the lesions. This doctor actually was diagnosed as a young student with HSV 2 which led her to study this STD specifically. She sent my blood work to a lab in Washington actually. The results were that I had HSV1 but not 2. I had been seeing someone at the time and we had oral sex, he actually had a cold sore in his mouth which I found out after the fact... I never had a reoccurence until 5 months ago. This time as I said it was on the outside with my pubic hair was mostly and a couple lesions just inside at the tip of my labia.
2.Shingles I had 3 yrs ago, I went to the dermatologist who said they were shingles. On only 1 side of my butt, mostly in a small cluster and a few separate bumps a bit farther away and one or 2 that I remember on my thigh. I had a lot of muscle or nerve pain in that area for a few months after the shingles were gone
Then the most recent after my outbreak 5 months ago was yesterday. I had some itching again on top where my pubic hair is, on the same side as 5 months ago. I only have 1 bump and it is red around that area. Last night I didn't sleep well from the itching. I work up this morning and still there is only 1 bump that I feel and can see.
. Should I be retested for HSV1 and 2. The only partner I have had without protection since my outbreak 10 years ago is my husband who has never had any symptoms or outbreaks, I know that he may never but if he had HSV 2 is it most likely that he would have had an outbreak?
I am eager to hear what you think. Thank you
In regards to your questions:
1. Yes, I am certain that my OBGYN tested the lesions. This doctor actually was diagnosed as a young student with HSV 2 which led her to study this STD specifically. She sent my blood work to a lab in Washington actually. The results were that I had HSV1 but not 2. I had been seeing someone at the time and we had oral sex, he actually had a cold sore in his mouth which I found out after the fact... I never had a reoccurence until 5 months ago. This time as I said it was on the outside with my pubic hair was mostly and a couple lesions just inside at the tip of my labia.
2.Shingles I had 3 yrs ago, I went to the dermatologist who said they were shingles. On only 1 side of my butt, mostly in a small cluster and a few separate bumps a bit farther away and one or 2 that I remember on my thigh. I had a lot of muscle or nerve pain in that area for a few months after the shingles were gone
Then the most recent after my outbreak 5 months ago was yesterday. I had some itching again on top where my pubic hair is, on the same side as 5 months ago. I only have 1 bump and it is red around that area. Last night I didn't sleep well from the itching. I work up this morning and still there is only 1 bump that I feel and can see.
. Should I be retested for HSV1 and 2. The only partner I have had without protection since my outbreak 10 years ago is my husband who has never had any symptoms or outbreaks, I know that he may never but if he had HSV 2 is it most likely that he would have had an outbreak?
I am eager to hear what you think. Thank you
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question. I'll start by saying your question reveals a lot of misunderstanding about genital herpes in general and HSV-1 in particular. But I think we can straighten this out.
Tell me more about your diagnosis of genital HSV-1 10 years ago. Half of all adults have positivblood tests for HSV-1. The main way to confirm that HSV-1 is causing genital herpes is to test the lesion(s) -- i.e. supicious blisters, sores, ulcers -- for the virus. Was that done 10 years ago, in addition to the blood test? Half of all adults have positive blood tests for HSV-1, mostly going back to a childhood, so a positive blood test does not usually prove the cause of a genital area lesion.
Now let's assume you did indeed have a genital HSV-1 infection. Genital herpes is rarely transmitted to partners by genital sex. I hate to tell you this now, but even if the diagnosis was correct, it was not a valid reason to avoid sexual intimacy!
Still assuming you have genital HSV-1, the symptoms you describe now don't sound like herpes outbreaks. New bumps or other lesions in the pubic hair area, especially occurring in more than one location, usually aren't herpes, but more often folliculitis or other minor skin infection.
Also tell me more about your shingles. How was that diagnosis confirmed? HSV and shingles outbreaks can be almost identical in appearance, and the buttock is a pretty common site for genital herpes outbreaks.
On top of all this, stress is not a proved trigger of genital herpes outbreaks, contrary to popular opinion.
I'll be happy to comment further when you fill in those question. But even if you did have genital HSV-1 10 years ago, I'm already confident you're not going to start having frequent genital area herpes outbreaks at this time. Unlike HSV-2, genital HSV-1 rarely recurs at all more than 2-3 years after catching it.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Tell me more about your diagnosis of genital HSV-1 10 years ago. Half of all adults have positivblood tests for HSV-1. The main way to confirm that HSV-1 is causing genital herpes is to test the lesion(s) -- i.e. supicious blisters, sores, ulcers -- for the virus. Was that done 10 years ago, in addition to the blood test? Half of all adults have positive blood tests for HSV-1, mostly going back to a childhood, so a positive blood test does not usually prove the cause of a genital area lesion.
Now let's assume you did indeed have a genital HSV-1 infection. Genital herpes is rarely transmitted to partners by genital sex. I hate to tell you this now, but even if the diagnosis was correct, it was not a valid reason to avoid sexual intimacy!
Still assuming you have genital HSV-1, the symptoms you describe now don't sound like herpes outbreaks. New bumps or other lesions in the pubic hair area, especially occurring in more than one location, usually aren't herpes, but more often folliculitis or other minor skin infection.
Also tell me more about your shingles. How was that diagnosis confirmed? HSV and shingles outbreaks can be almost identical in appearance, and the buttock is a pretty common site for genital herpes outbreaks.
On top of all this, stress is not a proved trigger of genital herpes outbreaks, contrary to popular opinion.
I'll be happy to comment further when you fill in those question. But even if you did have genital HSV-1 10 years ago, I'm already confident you're not going to start having frequent genital area herpes outbreaks at this time. Unlike HSV-2, genital HSV-1 rarely recurs at all more than 2-3 years after catching it.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
