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Hsv1 constant outbreak???

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Qwerty94
Qwerty94

I was diagnosed with hsv1 the start of August. After finishing the 10 day valtrex, 3 days laters I became red and itchy down there and had a second ob. After that round of medicine 2 days later it happened again. I started taking daily medicine about 5 days ago and today had the same prodrome symptoms. 

Is this normal for hsv1? Does the medicine totally stop obs or just decrease their severity? Very disheartening having all this happen when I thought I had the lesser of the two evils. Idk what to do to make it stop. 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus Qwerty94

    Posted

    Sorry to hear about your issues with gHSV1. That is less common, for sure. Fyi, the meds reduce but don't eliminate viral shedding, and outbreaks are essentially shedding above a certain threshold, so the meds help but are not 100%.

  • MarianNicholson
    MarianNicholson Qwerty94

    Posted

    Correct doses of Valtrex should prevent outbreaks totally.  Suggested is 500 once a day - but experts at the IUSTI conference I just attended are saying, 250 twice a day is much more effected - break or bite the tablet if you have to!  You can take Valtrex for a few months and then see what happens when you stop.  
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus MarianNicholson

      Posted

      Agree, but breakthrough shedding and outbreaks can still occur. Shedding definitely. Outbreaks not so much, but it's not unheard of.

    • Qwerty94
      Qwerty94 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Question about transmission.. I know it's easier to acquire hsv after shaving, but what if I was to shave? Does that make it easier for me to transmit it to someone else? 

    • MarianNicholson
      MarianNicholson Qwerty94

      Posted

      Hair helps protect skin.  So naked skin will be more able to transmit/catch any skin condition going. Also, if shaving caused small cuts (i.e. it stings when you put something on the skin afterwards) it makes it even easier for anything to be caught, and if the 'skin trauma' triggers an outbreak, obviously it makes it more likely that you could transmit virus.  Some people prefer hair removal creams.

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Qwerty94

      Posted

      Marian is correct and answered the question both ways. Him shaving exposes skin and potentially broken skin, so more chance for the virus to make skin contact. You shaving does the same and may even trigger shedding through skin trauma. Pubic hair is actually a natural first barrier and acts both ways.
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