1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

Half way there

Posted , 4 users are following.

Itslife
Itslife

So I called my doctor and doubled checked like you guys said to. I am HSV2 positive, everything else came up negative! 

I understand I must keep the area dry at all times to keep an outbreak from happening and to use lotion to avoid shedding. Does anyone have recommendations on what soap and lotion they have used? I know everyone is different I just like to see what they have used that helped them. I am highly allergic to anything scented (not like I'm gonna use a scented lotion or soap down there) but anything I use MUST be for sensitive skin as well. The medicine I'm on is Vacyclovir hcl 1 pill every 12 hours.

The fact that my boyfriend is so accepting takes most of my stress away which I guess is a good thing. Just now stressed about "knowing" my body even more than I thought I did to avoid outbreaks. 

I've actually explained so much to him because there was a rumor his ex girlfriend started that he has gential herpes and he's like I've never had symptoms so I explained you don't need to in order to infect someone else his face dropped. Hes like "omg maybe I gave it to you" I told him if you did you did but now I have it and I need to do what's best for me to not have another outbreak. He literally does EVERYTHING for me.  Now he's making an appt to get a blood test since that's the only way for him to kinda see if he has it because he has no symptoms right? 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus Itslife

    Posted

    I don't know where you read that, but keeping it dry does not prevent outbreaks (but does help an ongoing outbreak heal faster). I exercise relatively often and get very sweaty (gross, I know) due to the climate here, and it's not a problem at all.

    More importantly, lotion does *not* avoid or reduce shedding. The only thing proven to do that are the oral medications for herpes, like (val)acyclovir, when taken daily at the correct dosage.

    • Itslife
      Itslife FelizCastus

      Posted

      But I'm saying when shedding, how can I reduce that when it comes down to it or there's nothing that can be done once it starts? Sorry it's only my second day finding out the news just trying to understand and get more information. I've read numerous different things, figured I'd get better answers asking people who are dealing with the same thing I am. 

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Itslife

      Posted

      Like I said, the only thing that reduces shedding are the oral meds if taken daily (known as suppressive therapy). If anyone says that a lotion will help, that is false information. If you want to learn more, go see the sites of the CDC and ASHA, etc. There is also a good site by the NZ herpes association. My pinned discussion at the top of this forum contains info and many external links, too.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Itslife

      Posted

      Here's another good resource: Terri Warren's free online handbook on genital herpes. Terri Warren is a senior sexual health nurse who is a well-known and respected herpes specialist and researcher. Runs her own clinic, Westover Heights. Her clinic website is where you'll find the handbook as a download. Not sure if I included the link to that in my pinned discussion. Might have down.

    • Itslife
      Itslife FelizCastus

      Posted

      Thank you soooooo much! I feel like there's soo much to learn and of course I think I can everything in one day I know it's silly. I take my medicine every 12 hours for three days since this is my first outbreak and man does it hurt!! 

  • Livelife
    Livelife Itslife

    Posted

    I wouldn't use any soaps or lotions babe 

    Nice warm salt bath will do the trick 

    Just cool dry it with a hairdryer 

    Try get your hands on some lidocaine and if you do, your prayers will be answered haha 

    I would just tell your boyfriend to leave testing 

    He's with you, he loves you 

    Just tell him to wait and see if he gets an outbreak no point dwelling on the 'who gave it who' because you have it now and that won't change 

    You seem to be handling it a lot better than I did 

    I hope you're doing okay 

    My biggest question was always 'does the depression of this ever go away' and I can answer my own question 

    Yes it does I am happy and you should be too you're still the same person 

    • Itslife
      Itslife Livelife

      Posted

      I just got put on Valacyclovir 1 pill every 12 hours and I can finally some what pee without crying. I've resorted to wearing a pad because I can so much discharge still and such a foul smell. I'm grossed out. My doctor said to wash with a sensitive soap like dove and to dap outer, inner parts of my labia and on top with witch hazel and that's the only thing making me feel "clean" 

      I honestly don't know how I'm handling this so well. When I got tested July 31st I have cried my self to sleep. Cried my self to sleep in my boyfriends arms. I never thought he would be some what understanding. We agreed to just wait and see if he ever does have an outbreak but if he does man will I feel horrible because the pain is excruciating. 

      I've done so much research to help avoid another outbreak. To the point to see what kind of foods may cause an outbreak. 

      I know I will eventually come to terms with it. I've read people going from months to years without another outbreak. Just at the moment during an outbreak my very first one I feel like it's never going to end. 

  • YoureNotAlone
    YoureNotAlone Itslife

    Posted

    Yes, I just want to clear up if i may have confused you but keeping it dry will treat current outbreaks not prevent future outbreaks.. The lotions and creme will not prevent shedding but help with the itchy dry skin... If i caused confusion about the topic then i want to appologize. Antivirals are the only way to help prevent spread and future outbreaks to a non infected indiviual.. but If you are living with an infected individual then antivirals are optional.

    I try my hardest to take the time to read the entire discussion before replying to provide an accurate resolution. Again appologizies for any confusion.

    • Itslife
      Itslife YoureNotAlone

      Posted

      No need to apologize! It gets a tad crazy on here!! I appreciate every information everyone gives me. As I only got my official test result on Thursday. So I'm doing somewhat okay!! 

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.