Does this look like herpes?

Thank you for your reply. You seem to be a dedicated member of this forum - a real source of information! I had originally posted a link to a website I had uploaded some pictures onto, but I deleted the pictures due to nasty comments and so the moderator removed the link. I'm not sure if I have the option to edit pictures onto my discussion, directly? I'm also not sure if they so swab tests for herpes in the UK? From what I understand, for skin STIs such as herpes and genital warts/HPV, a patient to be displaying physical symptoms (so for herpes, during an outbreak), and it's a matter of the medical professional(s) doing a visual observation of the area and coming to a conclusion that way. I'll have to look into that!

Again - thanks!

a patient must be*

I am the queen on typos!

The UK is tricky. NHS doctors seem reluctant to test, especially for HSV IgG antibodies, nor are they keen to prescribe the meds for daily suppressive therapy. They do perform swabs on lesions, however, so if you have something visible to swab and insist on it, you might get lucky. Or you could consider going private, if that's an option. Herpes lesions do not come and go in a matter of hours, however (days, yes, but not hours), so it does not sound like herpes.

If it were to be herpes, would I HAVE to take suppressive meds? I mean, would it worsen if I don't, or just not improve? I'm very against western medicine, the meat industry etc; I'm a strict vegan (eat a plant-based diet, only whole grains, avoid wheat, no processed foods or refined sugars etc) and I always try to find natural/holistic solutions or remedies. Genital wart treatment was different as it was liquid nitrogen (a simple chemical element) applied to the area rather than me take something, internally. Going private is an option - I'll look into it.

Thank you!

No, daily meds are not necessary and it wouldn't worsen the natural course of the disease if you didn't take the meds. They just help to minimise recurrences, asymptomatic shedding and thus sexual transmission, so are offered in certain situations (e.g., those with very frequent outbreaks, discordant couples). Also, the daily meds are not really required for genital HSV-1, only genital HSV-2, which recurs/sheds more frequently and is much more infectious.

However, I don't think you have to worry about any of that. If you do decide to go private anyway, you may consider the HSV IgG (*not* IgM) antibody test should there be no lesions to swab and if it has been over 3 months since you think you got it.

It is best to take the medication.. not jus to keep safe but to keep from hurting.. nd it is required to be taken daily.. daily during pregnancy nd daily during any other day.. with out the medication your risking on having it more.. giving it to someone else if you have a breakout nd don't wash hands you can spread it to diff parts of your body.. nd to who ever else your touching.. it's not jus to keep you safe but everyone else..

Once you develop adequate antibodies, so after 4 months, you should not self-infect yourself elsewhere, as you are immune. Recurrences are not usually painful but quite mild, so medication (whether just for the episode or daily) is a personal choice. If a person is single and not having sex, there is no need for the meds. Same if they're not pregnant.

I have it from self experience.. no you can't reinfect yourself but you can spread it to diff parts.. if you have herpes in the mouth or lip nd you touch it while it's opened then touch your down area you can get it.. nd wether your single or not having sex or pregnant it is still best to take the meds for other peopls safety is what I was saying..

That's very unlikely to happen once you have antibodies, and other people's safety is fine if you are not having sex with them or giving birth to them! I have it, too (gHSV-2), and take zero oral meds, because I'm single, sexless, not pregnant and have mild outbreaks, so there's no need and no point at this stage in my life.

I'm not arguing about it.. I was just saying it's more safer.. if someone has a outbreak nd not taking meds nd they have HSV2 nd there not careful on being clean nd washing hands after pottys nd jus touch everything it can be spread.. that's all.. there's no need to keep commenting back and forth.. Anything is possible with having herpes HSV1 and 2..

I am only "commenting back and forth", because what you are saying is not exactly correct or necessary.

I've realised that the irritation in general doesn't come and go in a day, but the wetness at the top of the bump/pimple. I wish I'd've kept some kind of diary to keep up with it, that way I'd have an accurate idea of length of time/changes/frequency etc. I really am hoping its genital wart-related. As much as I hated the warts/HPV, I came to terms with them/it and got familiar with that community (knew everything about it etc). Having to join a new community and learn about a new virus (one deemed 'incurable', at that) is daunting. I don't even believe it is incurable. Maybe in the western world/with western knowledge and understanding, but not from all angles of medicine. I just think it'd take a lot of research and dedication to find real answers/cures... An amount that probably wouldn't be healthy for the mental health or the sufferer. Sorry, I've gone on a tangent.

From what I've read, you're absolutely right. That makes a lot of sense - thank you.

Thank you for your reply. I understand what you're saying, but I practice good hygiene and am very conscious of the risk of transmission. I gained that from having gential warts, which were extremely contagious and are also caused by a virus.