HSV 2 positive, but only outbreaks have been on my arm.

[Vint1958]

For 2 1/2 years, I've been having outbreaks consisting of a patch of itchy, painful, red, swollen area on my inner arm. Pain radiates along the ulnar nerve, and I have prodromal symptoms for a few days consisting of headache, fever, nausea and malaise. I have seen a doctor for each outbreak; the diagnosis (without testing) was shingles the first three times, which was treated with antiviral medication. Now I've had a fourth outbreak, and the doctor sampled the fluid for lab work. The testing came back negative for HSV 1 and for herpes zoster, but positive for HSV 2.

To my knowledge, I have *never* had oral nor genital symptoms. The only appearances have been on a specific spot on my arm.

I'm 60 and widowed for 11 years. Yes, I've had relationships since my husband passed. I have been in my current (monogamous) relationship for over three years. My partner has made an appointment to be tested.

I'm baffled, and concerned about how this will impact my interactions with my grandchildren. Should I no longer hug nor kiss them? Obviously I have stayed away during these "formerly known as shingles" episodes, but with the likelihood that I could shed virus even when asymptomatic, I'm worried.... would I shed only from the spot on my arm, or other areas, as well?

The doctor I saw to be tested seemed a bit baffled by this, as well. I should mention that I had bilateral mastectomy/reconstruction with lymph node removal only in my right arm - which is where the outbreaks have consistently occurred. I've been told I need to be cautious about any infection that appears on the right arm/hand due to lower immunity that results from lymph node removal.