HSV 1 or Shingles

[dak37]

About five or so years ago I had an OB on the left side of my face and edge of ear(in sideburn area where face and ear join).  I started out as a hard bump and then turned into several little pimple type bumps.  I thought it was a spider bite.  After a couple of days I had terrible throbbing pain I think I had chills but can't remember now if I did have chills and/or fever or not.  Just remember I was hurting and felt terrible.    Went to Derm. and saw NP.  She told me it was Staph.  

Then had another OB(some pain but less) maybe a year later.  Went back to Derm. and saw Dr.  He said it was Herpes and gave me Valtrex Prescription.  I think I had maybe one more OB not sure(Mild).  I now have one to two aborted OB a year(just itches and tingles for a couple days but no bumps).

Could this be Shingles or HSV 1.  

Seem I never hear about HSV 1 on the ear.  I do not think I have ever had a cold sore.  My dad used to get cold sores on lips a lot.

[gracefromHHP]

you can have symptoms in those areas - the same nerves cover that whole area.  

at this point I'd start out first with a type specific herpes igg blood test and go from there. Next time you have symptoms, be seen within 48 hours for a lesion culture and typing for herpes to confirm that indeed this is all herpes related.

having symptoms in this area is the same as getting obvious cold sores so discuss your status with any partners once you know for sure that this is herpes.

[dak37]

No test just visual.  I have never had a cold sore though.  Is that normal.  Seems weird to break out on face and ear but not mouth.  Anyway my body must be doing a good job keeping it under control since it only tingles now very rarely with no bumps.

[gracefromHHP]

shingles wouldn't reoccur like this.

did they do any testing for herpes or just visually say herpes?

grace