Herpes and Folliculitis

[Sheath]

I have a question regarding the possibility of folliculitis related to hsv 2 infection. During my initial outbreak (before I was aware I had the virus) I had multiple red spots appear in a matter of hours on my buttocks. The spots weren't raised they were just red and on both sides. I then had multiple lesions appear following the red patches. My doctor swabbed the lesion I had vaginally and it came back for hsv. However, she felt that the folliculitis that developed was not related to the infection. I think that's unlikely considering the timing of the lesions and the location. I later developed a few red spots on my legs. One of the lesions was swabbed and was negative for hsv on the buttocks. Could the folliculitis be related to the outbreak without any viral activity being present in the lesions?

[Sheath]

Doc sent me for the wrong test-Igm which I already knew would be reactive since I have HSV 2-Idiot! So I had to go back and get the Igg-Another week of waiting-one more week of denial wont hurt-trust me i'm leaning toward 'not infected' but theres just to many coincidences going on here.

[Sheath]

Hi Grace, Yes when I had the lesion culture done I had the Igg blood test done two months following and it was reactive for HSV 2 and non reactive for HSV 1- I never had any symptoms of Herpes orally in the months leading up to the blood work or afterwords but after the encounter I've have tingling and stinging on my chin-never a typical outbreak just little pimples similiar to what was on my buttocks that the docter diagnosed as folliclitis. If this turns out to be HSV1 related-I can be sure not only of where I got HSV1 from but the the folliculitis is in fact related to the herpes. Thanks for yor help, i'll keep you posted.

[gracefromHHP]

sharing a drink and social kisses are not risks for adults at all.  

I know you had a lesion culture genitally but did you ever have herpes igg blood testing before this to know your previous hsv1 status?

[Sheath]

If sharing a drink or a a simple social kiss with someone who is orally infected with hsv 1 can transmit the virus. I can't see how you 'couldn't' get it from sharing a smoke. There is no logic in that.

I just went for blood work and will post the results.

[gracefromHHP]

sharing a joint won't transmit hsv1 orally.  

really, not everything is herpes!!!

[Sheath]

Doctor said it's viral pharangitis but she said she's never seen hsv1 of the throat. I caught a virus-day after possible exposure and i'm really concerned. Doc refuses to do a blood test-had force him to acknwledge my right to it. How long should I wait to get the igg blood test again to see if im now dually infected. I'll obviously never be sharing a joint again. Unbelievable if he out right lied about it-were neighbours for crying out loud. Theres no escaping me if i get the virus too. Whats wrong with people? God-I feel sick!!

[Sheath]

On another note..

I went to my doctor with concerns about having contracted hsv1 now from a party the other night where a communal joint was passed around that I came to realise was shared with-guy next to me who had a cold sore. (Hidden by his mustache) I asked him if it was one cause I almost **** my pants.(He's my neighbour and I voiced my concerns more then once) He said no, However the next day I had swollen lymph nodes in my neck which progressed to a tingly sensation around my mouth in the next few days which of course freaked me out.

Is it possible for the lesions to not have appeared because im already on supressive therapy? However the tingling is still on and off. My throat also swells periodically. Also if I smoke again I've noticed the tingling sensation worsens. Swollen lymph nodes the very next day-could this be happening?

She said theres no chance and that im over-reacting.

[gracefromHHP]

folliculitis is irritation and/or bacterial infection of the hair follicles.  it's not a herpes issue.  

no reason to think these are related at all.

abdominal pain with valtrex can occur. if you are having discharge and pain with spotting, be seen and get a proper exam and tested for other causes.

[Sheath]

Also, I started Valtrex and have been taking it for two days now. I've been spotting since I started the drug and have some abdominal pain and discharge. Are these symptoms a drug reaction or a symptom of the infection?

[Sheath]

The redness appeared as I was at work and wasn't there in the morning before heading to work. The area that was red developed what was diagnosed as folliculitis that lasted for two weeks and off and on but less severe throughout the month and during subsequent episodes.The sudden onset was during my first outbreak. It's only on the buttocks. My derm and gp fail to see a connection or the possibility of the two being related. Isn't herpetic or viral folliculitis a possibility?

[gracefromHHP]

you can have more than one thing going on at a time.  also herpes lesions won't last for just a few hours like that either.

grace