Can there be facial herpes but not typical cold sores

[Whyme206]

I rarely had acne. After contracting HSV-1 I had a bad outbreak of red bumps around my nose. The dermatologist said it wasn’t HSV however each time I was able to get in to see her it wasn’t as bad. There is no scabbing, just red bumps on my face around my nose and now my cheeks. I also get what look like 3-4 bites on my forearms. This has gone on for almost a year now.

I am sure the bites on my arms are hsv. I have searched thousands of websites and found creditable ones that state they can

1) appear as bites
2) appear anywhere on your body

The red bumps on my face do not scab but come frequently like every other week.  The dermatologist can’t test (so they say) because there is no fluid or not enough fluid to swab.

My question: How can I tell if these are herpe sores or if they are acne on my face?  From what I read it seems possible that since hsv effects or lowers your immune system that other dermatology related things may start to pop up. Also my son now gets bumps around his mouth that do not scab that comes every couple of months.  The doctor said it was a form of dermatitis however The same doctors have told me hsv can only be on genitals or the mouth.  

[Whyme206]

To clarify my statement above, I don’t think *its a coincidence *  they appeared on my arms just before I tested positive and have been frequent ever since. There are other reasons I believe them to be hsv as well, but I honestly don’t want to type pages of text.  I am posting about the bumps on my face as these never have an open head to them like a bite. My concern is are they contagious herpes or are they some form of  acne that developed after catching hsv. I rarely had bumps prior. First I assumed it was hsv, then I though it can’t be and assumed it was stress related from finding out I am hsv positive. It can’t be that because it should have went away by now. Then I thought it was a reaction to the daily suppression medication, I have been off that for 6-7 months, can’t be that. I am struggling to figure out what this is and if it contagious. I have family members who attemp to hug me and I am fearful of this being contagious.

Also I get the the tingly lip frequently. At least every few weeks but no actual cold sore or outbreak other that the bites on my arms and rash/bumps on and around my nose.  

[Whyme206]

I have been researching this for over about a year now since NO one had answers or correct information. If you do an internet sssrch for hsv on arms, the first result is John Hopkins university and hospital that clearly states that you can get them on “Outbreaks can occur in the trunk, arms or legs”. Many websites I have found have confirmed this but my doctors act like they never heard of such thing. I don’t think they appeared on my arms and face just before testing positive.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, i completly dissagree that your arm bumps are herpes as its juct not an area that is connected to your facial ganglia and since herpes prefers the easist area to breakout, your face and lips would be the area.
you can have the sores swabbed to confim herpes or not.