Newly diagnosed- itching??

Thanks for the advice, was the itching after an outbreak for you or is it a sign of another coming do you know?

It happened to be during the second crop of sores I got after the initial ones and I itched after, but not as much as I've heard others after sores have cleared. I believe that was because I was on nerve pain meds, so that would have blocked itch signaling to the nerves as well, as the nerve pain. Yes, post herpetic itch is normal after an ob. Not a whole lot is understood on the behavior of nerves, but theory is that due to irritation from the virus and skin lesions in the nerves, your nerves are misfiring. I believe the myeltis (think that's how you spell it) sheathing (think of a fire optic cable. The covering on the outside protects the signals path, any cross interference, lost signals, etc) well, the sheathing can be damaged and signals get lost or the brain is confused by the interrupted signals and results in itching.

Post herpetic nerve pain is better understood than post herpetic itch and they usually associate that e shingles. If you haven't learned, you will soon, that modern day medicine is not that advanced in knowledge and studies on genital herpes, as it has been viewed as a harmless skin condition in the medical community. Only as of recent, are they learning it is more complex that they thought. The funding is just not there to do studies.

Thanks I'm just glad that other people have had itching after an outbreak, it's quite severe it's all I can concentrate on at the moment but I couldn't find it listed as a symptom anywhere so I'm glad it's normal. I went to my gp about it yesterday but she didn't seem to think it would be related to the herpes and suggested it was probably just thrush even though she couldn't see any evidence of it.

Yes I've definitely noticed a lack of information about herpes since I've been looking for it. There's a lot of reassurance that it can't harm you etc which is good to know but dealing with the symptoms has affected me massively so far so it's not been very reassuring

GPs don't know anything about herpes. Itching is a prodrome symptom for some. I have itching occasionally in two very specific spots. I recommend journaling your daily symptoms for several minths, to learn your body now w this and triggers. Annotate what may have stressed you that day or certain food or drinks.

Take a daily live culture probiotic, it will keep the yeast infections away and you'll feel more confident that heropes is causing the itch and not a yeast infection. That's why it is imparitve to learn your body. I recently had itching, very intense itching until I actually broke skin, on my lower leg, hips and lower back. I really do think it was caused by herpes. It started intensely when I was on my cycle and having an ob.. Now it has suddenly stopped. Trust me... They don't know jack about the virus. You'll eventually learn more than them.

I highly recommend checking out H Opportunity forum. Great support community and w the latest ans greatest and accurate info who created this forum. There have been people on here, that give people incorrect information and that's part of the cause for herpes to continue being an epidemic. Proper education is so important.

What other symptoms are you being? How old are you may I ask? I ask, because from what I've noticed, it appears most females from teens to early/mid 20s, seem to clear up the ob faster than those in their 30s and older, w no to minimal symptoms immediately after the ob clears uo. Not saying it's the rule, but it would be an exception if they didn't. Less wear and tear on the immune system maybe..lol.. ;-)

Thanks for all the advice you seem to know so much about it all!

The sores have cleared up now but I've still got like deep muscle aching down my bum and leg and I get occasional shooting pains in one foot but I don't know if that's connected or not.

I'm 25

Haha! Thanks! That's what happens when you have the kinda OCD and neurotic tendencies as I do; I spend endless hrs researching and am currently studying herpes and recently have started from a virology side.

Yes, that deep aching is related, that is nerve pain. Be glad it just feels like an ache, because if it started feeling like your skin is burning, it's going to get bad from you.

If you Google image nervous system or sacral ganglia, you will be able to view a skeleton diagram and where the nerves are located. You'll notice that right under our bums, wherwbit feels as if you rode a bike and butt bones are sore, a bunch of nerves coming off of the sacral ganglia run right a long there. Try to eliminate as much compression as you can on your tailbone especially and back of legs when you can, as it can make the intensity increase in the aching and the compression can further aggravate the nerves that are already inflamed.

Yes, the shooting pain is normal. I haven't had shooting pain since after my first ob. Well, see? Your sores certainly cleared up faster than mine did. :-)

Well atleast someone's doing research it would just be nice if my gp knew a bit more about it to be honest.

I'm really glad I found this group I was starting to feel like I was just imagining it as everyone I spoke to seemed to brush off what I was feeling so it's quite comforting to know it's normal. Thank you

Oh NP... They do that to a lot of people. There's doctors still telling patients they are only contagious during obs and therefor don't have to disclose. It is scary.

This is why it is essential for you to take high doses of the supplements I told you to daily. I did the research on what is needed to promote healing z growth and resistance from damage to the nerves. Your vit D3, 2000 daily and ALL b vitamins.. It will need them all and very high doses as well. Preferably until you get a flush. Then you know you've reached the max dose yiu need. These are needed specifically for nerve system function and repair.

Is that not true then that you are only contagious during an outbreak?

What's a flush?

Oh boy .. I'm going to assume that she told you the same thing? 89% of people w genital herpes, don't even know they have it, because they are asymptomatic or have such mild symptoms, it is not recognized as herpes and something else. So most have no signs, yet are contagious. This is called asymptomatic shedding and there is no telling when soneone is shedding, especially if they are asymptomatic. Some may have an idea who have symptoms and have taken great strides to learn sensations and and a pattern that follows. Like I believe I am shedding when I feel the crawly feeling in 4 different locations, where I have had sores the most recent.. Not even from my primary ob.. So shedding the virus is at the surface of the skin, but doesn't cause breaks, sires or any injury to the skin, but you are contagious. This happens like 5-30% of the days. I really think you need to go on that site I suggested. Has great info and actually correct info on there.

It's called a niacin flush. That's when you've reached enough niacin in your body from the B complexes, that the niacin will cause a body flush.. You will feel it.. Trust me.. It feels weird.

Yeah that's pretty much what she told me.

I've been back to the clinic today and found out that I still have sores which is probably the cause of the itching, hopefully the next lot of antivirals help.

I've signed up to that H opportunity site thanks for telling me about it

Wow... Horrible that doctors are so uneducated. There should be a fine for people spreading false info around like this.

Awesome! Hope you enjoy jt, I think you will!

I know this is an old thread --- but does anyone know what kind of supps/dosage ?

Feelbroken said vit D3 at 2000 and the B vits - but how much of the Bs? And a probiotic.

Anything else?

I was literally going to ask the same question about the itching! I'm almost healed, almost healed from my first incredibily painful OB. So glad I'm not the only one itching after this

Is the itching a sign of healing? I hope this doesn't mean I'm due for another OB right when the first is healing!

Let me know what you think

I was just diagnosed yesterday. I went to the doctor because of extreme itching. She said the most common symptom of herpes is not pain but itching. She said the minute you scratch, it causes your body to release histamines. She said taking an antihistamine like Benadryl or Claritin will help take the itching away. I was so happy when she mentioned that, because when the itching was worst at bedtime, I would take a teaspoon of Children's Benadryl and the itching would go away. Apparently I was on to something without knowing it!

I had a terrible case, I cried in the bathroom at work (have a lock on door at work) and home for about 15 minutes every time I had to go. It's been almost two weeks since I was diagnosed and I am no longer burning or in pain but I'm itching above my rectum between my butt cheeks? Not sure what's up with this.

Thats me now!!!!! I can't pee without little screams escaping my lips... im 32 years free of any kind of std... and bam i get hit with one of the worst ones... my boyfriend said he didnt cheat on me but sadly im reluctant to believe him. Anyways, ive been researching too, i dont have a definitive positive for herpes yet, just went to my OB yesterday bc i thought it was a horrible yeast infection. Im seeinng a lot if take L-Lysine and Vitamin C ... i even saw someone taking St. John's Wart or even Oregano Oil (my go to herb for literally EVERYTHING) i hope you feel some comfort soon **back to my epsom salt bath** have a good night everyone

It gets easier I promise!! I was diagnosed about 2 years ago and have only had a couple of big outbreaks since the first. None anywhere near as bad as the first!! I know that doesn't help right now but I remember feeling so down thinking I'd never feel normal again...but you do

Obviously I don't know your relationship but it is very possible to contract herpes if your partner hasn't cheated. He could of had it for years and never even noticed as it can be so mild in men, then if he had an unnoticed outbreak he can pass it to you xx

OMG I am having the EXACT same symptoms with the itching. Especially between my butt cheeks along with this aching shooting pain down my legs (uuuuggggg my hamstrings) which I have never experienced before in my life. When I called and asked my physician about it she said that it sounded like sciatica. I explained to her that because of the herniated discs in my back I am very aware of what sciatica pain feels like and THIS IS NOT sciatica. Uuuuuuggggg and now this itching, this insane itching. I'm going absolutely CRAZY!!!!

The butt cheek itching is gone now, I didn't have the pain you describe. I'm feeling almost normal again. It feels good.

What did you do to stop the itch?

I don't know, it just went away.

Hi  I was diagnosed about a week ago after not having any kind of sexual encounter since 2004.  Just an fyi - I've read the virus can live in your system up to 30 years!  Now to the problem........ITCHING!!!  I am miserable.  Thanks for mentioning the Childrens Benadryl, will get some today.  I have active sores right now and the itch is driving me crazy.  Sometimes I get these "itch attacks" where I just have to scratch!  But only with a tissue or something, never my hand. Been using Desitin for the itching also, works a little bit to help.  First saw PA and she put me on 500 mg Valtrex twice a day, did not help.  Then got in with primary doctor  and he doubled my dosage to 1000 mg twice a day for seven days to get this first outbreak suppressed.  Then I have chosen to go on a daily dose of 500 mg to hopefully avoid any future outbreaks.  Wishing you well, thanks again for the info.

Not just 30 years. This is a lifetime disease.

HI feelbroken, actually I found something that DOES actually relieve the itch!!!  It's Coconut Oil Cream.  I read it on another blog and by God it works!!!

Hi paige, well I meant to say it can live in your system up to 30 years before having an outbreak.  I'm 62 years old and single and had just gone through months of extensive stress.  I'm disabled since 2009 and back at the beginning of Sept everything just nuts.  My back, hips, and legs were in so much pain, like a 9/10.  Couldn't even walk for 2 months, was out of work for 5 months.  Had lots of steroid injections and several rounds of prednisone tablets to reduce the pain, which worked.  All this stress caused my first outbreak, which was a doozy.  I'm healed now (thank God), and am taking a daily Valtrex 500 mg to ward off any future outbreaks.  Now get this,  Because of the stress, the high amount of steroids in my body, and the fatigue, I now have a blood condition called Purpura!  I broke out in two big blood blisters on my left leg.  I've had melanoma surgery in 2007 so they did biopsies first to check for that, thank goodness it wasn;t my cancer coming back.  BUT, it is another life long condition, like I needed another one!  lol  Now I'm just dealing with the fatigue, it's horrible.  I'm so tired all the time, doc says this will get better in time.  I SO hope you are hanging in there and getting through this.  I really like the responses that katie42567 writes.  She's really positive.  I wish you all the best paige, keep us posted on how you're dong ok?  HUGS.............

HI Stephanie, hopefully by now you're over your OB.  Should you have another one, try Coconut Oil Cream for the itch!!!  It actually works!  I read about it on another blog, and after seeing how well it worked, wished I had read about it sooner.......Best to you.

Omg ive had constant burning since my first ob in april.. like legit fire crotch and i get no relief... ive tried aloe vera while its cold. Ive litterally laid in the shower for a hour or two too where its just numb... i feel like theres no light at the end of the tunnel.. ive been in constant pain for two months as if the inital ob wasnt horrible on its own

I'm so sorry to hear how much you're suffering.  Try Coconut Oil Cream, you can get it anywhere nowadays.  The brand I bought is called Advanced Clinicals.  But you can find it anywhere now, any drugstore, or even Walmart!  Just look in the Beauty Section near the body lotions.  The kind I bought came in a pump bottle.  I don't know why it works so well, but it sure does!  Good luck!

I know this is an old Post however I've been recently diagnosed with HV2 and not only is it embarrassing but it's highly highly ITCHHHYYYY. It feels as though bugs are crawling on my around my rectum. I looked into a mirror and see that there are sores INSIDE my rectum. Ive tried Epson salt and it seemed to work a little. Ice made the itch severely worse, (felt great on it until the numbness starts to hurt) and once my skin temp came back it itches so bad. I've noticed Benadryl spray works great a little sting but the bug severe itch goes away. I've been taking B complex stress vitamins from nature's basket and that also helps. Any other way to keep this stuff from spreading?

Fudge I’m a sex worker and I’m getting itchy after my first breakout and now I’m worried how I’m ever going  to get back to work on my everyday schedule  i was once used to

Thankyou Katie for asking the question - you've just saved my sanity tonight! Same, same - two weeks diagnosed, but first outbreak cleared within 7 days or so. Then a few days on, very strange, sharp and throbbing pains in my vagina, (particularly the left side) corresponding in a sharp pain in my left leg and one specific spot on the sole of my foot - well I thought something was seriously wrong with me! The last two nights I've been writhing in bed, convinced I must have worms! It's so itchy!!! Sometimes it takes my breath away! Sleep is impossible! You've at least made me feel somewhat normal (when two doctors I've seen didn't seem to think much of any of it). Question: have u (or anyone else) had urine retention (can't pee - well not normally anyway) alongside these nerve pains and itching? I think it must be all related???

Oh my god, I am too! Been lying in bed for hours now writhing around with this internal itching feeling - why does it only really kick into gear at nighttime, any ideas???

I saw 2 doctors, one a gyno specialist and both made me feel as though it was all in my head!! No it really was not! 

This was 3 years ago for me and honestly it got better, and subsequent outbreaks have been so mild in comparison it really will get easier. 

I know it’s a terrible medical advice but I found the only way to get some sleep was to have a couple of glasses of wine before bed and wrap an ice pack in a towel and squeeze it between my legs. 

I feel so awful for you that you’re going through it all, I remember how depressed I was during my first outbreak. 

I couldn’t pee normally for a while I think because it just hurt so much I was stopping myself. If it’s getting really bad though I’d go back to a doctor in case it isn’t related 

Thanks for your reply Katie, much appreciated.  So have you had these nerve pain symptoms in the past three years, after new outbreaks?  

I appreciate that the outbreaks themselves get better, but its the after effects of the nerve pain/urinary retention/itching that I'm more worried about!  In other words, do you think you're nerves repaired themselves?  (and did you take 'feelbrokens' advice of the D3 and B Vitamins?)

And I love your couple glasses of wine advice!  I took phenergen last night - as much to knock me out, as for its anti-histamine effect.  It worked, mostly - got a decent nights sleep - which is a weight off my mind in itself! 

Thanks again for your help - it's such a minefield facing all this medical stuff amongst all the other emotional implications of this stupid virus! 

Since my first I’ve had one other bad outbreak where I did get the following nerve symptoms etc nearly as bad as the first. 

All other outbreaks have been barely noticeable, I seem to feel a bit virally and unwell and then get fairly painless blisters that last a couple of days. The nerve symptoms still happen after but with minimal discomfort just a bit of shooting pain in my legs and mild itching. 

Yes I’ve been taking those vitamins plus l-lysine daily plus I take just a general well woman multivitamin to try and keep myself healthy as it’s definitly when I get really stressed or unwell that outbreaks seem to happen.

You’ll get through it I remember just feeling so low and overwhelmed with it all but now I’ll go weeks without even thinking about it at all. 

My main concern now is that we are hoping to start trying for a baby soon and the implications that HSV 2 can have on that...but we’ll face that hurdle when we get to it!! Xx

Hi Katie, 

Thanks for your response.  Well 4 days later, things are looking up.  Peeing is back to normal, itching is receding (salt baths definitely the answer there), and I'm now sleeping pretty normally (minus the red wine but some phenergan helped when it was really bad.  

You know what else helped?  You. Having support out there, to validate these crazy symptoms and a reason to believe it would get better.  I believe that now - I can feel it!  

So thankyou for your support, and good luck with the baby making    You have no reason to believe HSV2 will cause problems, so don't let it hijack your brain  xo  

Aww I’m so glad you’re starting to feel better and more positive! 

You are so welcome I’m glad I could help in some way, it’s such a taboo subject isn’t it so forums like this are great I’m so glad I found it when I was first diagnosed  

Thank you, we get married in a few months and then will start trying as in my partners words ‘you’re getting on a bit now Kate’ lol xx 

I started my monthly and was having a ob and my doctor had just started putting me on valacyclovir and a few days later i started getting really itchy on my butt and around my private area.what can i do to help relieve it.its bad to the point its hard to concentrate at work.

You can try diaper rash cream, it helps dry out sores as well as the itching. Taking salt baths also work tremendously. If you don’t have time for a bath, what I do is take a small spray bottle, fill it with warm water and epsom salt and just spray all around my butt and let it air dry. 

lysine (an amino acid you can take in supplement form) 2000mg / day during flare ips and 500 mg / day prophylactically is good!

i have heard to minimize arginine (another amino acid) to reduce flare ups.