Herpes infection scare

Thank you for the prompt help,  FelizCastus. Here is how it looks now, if it helps to figure out if it's Herpes.

Please ignore the white thing on the edge, it's anti-fungal cream.

Just looks irritated or something. Like I said, first outbreaks are rather lengthy and can take 2-4 weeks to heal, not 4-5 days. Your encounter was also low-risk and herpes lesions do usually feel sore to the touch.

Thank you so much for the replies. I just found a pic of how the bumps looked when they first appeared, 5 days ago. This is what had me worried since an 'online doctor' mentioned that it looks like Herpes. Can you please provide your inputs on this? 

Hi Feliz,

Sorry to bother you again, my swab tests came back negative. They used BioReference Lab Solana NAAT technique. How reliable are those tests? The lesions were < 24 hours old when the swab was taken.

You mean less than a day old? Then that's great! NAAT is a dna/pcr test, which, as a swab test for herpes, is much better than the traditional viral culture by swab. Your lesions were also fresh at the time and not healing. You thus had the most reliable mainstream test done and you were found negative. I'd celebrate!

Hi Feliz,

Thank you so much for your reply

Yes, the swabs were taken less a day since the lesions became visible. Doctor's attendant had told me that they were doing a viral culture, but I found out that it was actually a NAAT test when they handed me over the results. Also, I found out that I already have HSV1 Igg antibodies in the system. Since I was at a higher risk of getting HSV1 given the nature of the encounter, it makes me feel little more better. I am just worried that they looked so much like Herpes and one of the online docs said that he was sure it's genital Herpes.

You should feel much better! The pcr (naat) swab is the 'gold standard' when it comes to mainstream herpes testing with lesions. They even use such tests to conduct HSV research. I don't what you had, but you can cross herpes off the list. Not only do you carry antibodies to the type you were exposed to, but your symptoms cleared way too fast for a first outbreak. 👍

 Can't thank you enough, Feliz. You are doing a tremendous job here, helping so many people like me.

You're more than welcome, and you just made my day with your kind words. :D

Hi Feliz

I had this show up on my thigh. Does this look like Herpes blister? No pain when touched.

No, it actually looks more fleshy than blister-like, plus herpes is usually sore to the touch.

Thank you Feliz!

To me also, it looked less white-er than herpes blisters. I woke up today morning and this is what is left of it now (new pic attached). The first pic was from yesterday. I don't think I can even get it swabbed now. It still doesn't pain at all. I get 'pimples' like these around my abdomen but been super scared these days of anything happening in this area

I really can't see anything much this time! I honestly wouldn't worry about it, especially as you get such bumps anyway, plus you tested negative by dna/naat swab.

Thank you so much Feliz. I observed that I see sort of an open sore where I had one of the bumps earlier. I am scared if it's herpes which turned into an open sore 2 weeks later. It doesn't hurt, and I will try to post a pic here. Can it take so long for Herpes blister/bump to turn into an open sore? What is the behavior generally ?

Usually the bump will rupture and ulcerate after a few days (within a week), not after two weeks. Again, don't forget you already tested negative by the best swab test available. If you're still doubtful, even though you shouldn't be, swab this latest sore. If still negative, you can put the matter to rest.

Is herpes that bad ? I’m so sad right now . I just want my old life back already ???? I feel so disgusted.... I feel like the only person that has this herpes virus. When I go out in public , I feel like I’m the only person with the virus & my life is ruin 😢 please encourage me 

Hi Feliz

Sorry for getting back late to this. The open ulcer type thing actually healed the next day so there was nothing to get swabbed. After that I have had another couple of folliculitis outbreaks- one on my scrotum and one on my inner thigh. I got both checked by an online dermatologist and my GP and they were 100% certain that it's not herpes related. None of them actually progressed to ulcerate etc. either. Also to update you, I have been diagnosed with diabetes and Vitamin D deficiency which my GP thinks might be behind the outbreaks down there and the pain. This seems to make sense, but lately I have been experiencing pain while pooping (constipation like issues on few days on and off) and also feel my rectum burn for hours after doing the business on few days. This has gotten me concerned cause I saw that many people with Herpes have complained of similar issues. My GP thinks its acute constipation and has prescribed me stool softener and laxative. (whatever the reason for this is, I plan on moving to traditional eastern Indian remedies for this since I figure laxatives aren't good for you long term).

Sorry for the long story I wanted to get your opinion on couple of things:

1. Have you yourself experienced, or seen people experience rashes on thigh which last for less than 30 minutes, be caused by Herpes? I am attaching a pic from yesterday, this rash just lasted for maybe 30 mins- maximum an hour. I could feel some muscular pain as well when I pressed the area with force.

2. The bumps on my penis were healed as per my earlier posts, but I still see some marks there. My GP thinks diabetes can be the culprit and is delaying the clearing up. But do herpes bumps leave marks like this, on penis heads?

3. Is it true that the primary outbreak appears at the site of original infection, i.e. from where the virus enters in the body? Or can it say, enter through the scrotum but show up only on penis head for the primary outbreak?

Thanks a lot in advance. 

Hi blessed,

Hope you were able to talk to someone, and are feeling better now. Please let me know if you need support or someone to talk to.

I’m feeling a lil better but not 100% better . I’m taking one day at a time ! Thanks for checking up on me ! 

1. No, I have never heard of herpes conning and going in 30 minutes. That is definitely not herpes.

2. Herpes can sometimes leave marks that eventually fade, but so can any other condition that damages the skin.

3. Yes, your first understanding is correct, so no to the second part.

Thank you so much, Feliz. I owe you a nice meal someday  

Haha, okay, I like my steak medium to medium rare, or we can go for seafood. You're most welcome, though, and I meant coming, not conning. Damned autocorrect!

Lol..I am a vegetarian, so we can go at a steakhouse and I'll settle for a salad :D 

Hahaha, that's too funny! Okay, I can try one of those tofu steaks or fake crab. :p

Hi feliz. When u say herpes can leave a mark that will eventually fade, how long is the longest? Ive had a mark on me almost 9 weeks. Ive read the longest is 6. Not sure if what i have is herpes related. I know youre very educated on this so i wanted to ask u

:D :D I myself hate Tofu, Feliz :D This reminded me of a nice place in downtown Chicago which serves all the fake crabs and what not hahaha

That really depends on your skin type and tendency for marks to linger, where your outbreaks are located, how often you get outbreaks in the same place, and the severity of the lesion. In most cases, however, herpes usually heals without leaving a mark.

You're vegetarian and don't like tofu? 😱 Even I like tofu, lol. Never tried a tofu steak, mind you, but tofu generally is great! Okay, maybe we can both just go for a salad. Keep it simple. 😂

Thx for your reply feliz

Hahaha..no no..you can have your steak, I don't want you to feel bad about me, I have been a vegetarian all my life. Yes, I hate tofu and love cottage cheese instead lol.

Sounds like you haven't had good tofu! Will need to do a separate tofu meal. Cottage cheese for dessert. 👍 Lol

Doesn't that mean he may have ghsv 1? I'm confused here. He said he received protected oral but had his tesctiles in her mouth for a brief moment.

He tested negative by DNA swab.