Newly diagnosed- itching??

Posted , 92 users are following.

Hi, I was diagnosed with genital herpes type 2 a couple of weeks ago. My first outbreak was horrific but the sores cleared up within 5 days on aciclovir. Now I've got really intense itching in my vagina and all around my bum, has anyone else experienced this? I've been doing quite a bit of research but itching doesn't seem to be mentioned as a symptom after an outbreak. It's driving me crazy now and really getting me down as I'm so uncomfortable, I'm so scared of having another outbreak as the first was so painful.

ThanksĀ 

3 likes, 145 replies

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  • Posted

    Hi. Did you ever figure this out? I have the same thing. Miserable!
    • Posted

      Hi smile

      No I didn't really find an answer but it didn't take too long to clear up.

      I've had more outbreaks since and the itching after always comes back but lasts barely a couple of days now. So there is hope!

      Don't get yourself down over it I remember being so depressed and miserable during that first outbreak but it really does get better xx

  • Posted

    I was diagnosed several years ago. Over the years there is one thing that gives me immediate comfort before and or during an outbreak. I use a product called New Skin(BandAid section at Wal-Mart). It's like a liquid bandage that's antibacterial and water proof. It stings like hell ast first application. I just use a hand blow dryer (on cool) for a faster dry and immediate relief from the temporary burn from the antibiotics in the product. It keeps the outbreak contained, covered, dry and itch free for several days.

    Hope this helps you all.

    • Posted

      Hi,

      Do you put the New Skin inside your vagina? Do you use it on sores or just itchy area? Do you also take Valtrex?

    • Posted

      Hi, this is Angelgyrl again.  PLEASE don't put anything inside your vagina!  Only on the outside sweetie.  And just so you know now that my breakout is gone, I chose to take a dailly preventative dose of Valtrex, 500 mg daily to ward off any future outbreaks.  With my insurance it costs me about $50 a month, but I think it's well worth it.

  • Posted

    Katie,

    I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago. I also too feel like the itching is a symptom because I itch all over my body and taking 800mg Tylenol helps a little bit. The doctors out here in PA say take Valtrex which causes my hair to fall out so I stopped taking it and Benadryl helps with the itching but when another outbreak comes, it's the worst. I haven't any sexual contact within 2 years. I don't have no sex drive no more. I don't even get horny anymore. I tested positive and it's been down hill for me ever since and of course I am no longer with my ex of 6 years because I know he gave it to me because of infildelities he has had. He is in denial which explains his attitude towards me. Anyways if I found out if the itching is causing my 2nd outbreak, I will inform all of you and let you know if it works. After every shower, I put enough organic coconut oil on my vagina, lips and anus with a maxi pad just in case it stains your panties. I can't sleep in heat, it makes me itch more all over my body. I do sleep with an ice pack in a plastic ziploc bag and it's very soothing so my nerves are calm down so I can sleep; this works very well. At first it's very cold but it does cool down your body temperature so you can sleep. I have many other symptoms doctors can't describe because they don't live with what we have. They have solutions but rather not tell you. Research everything and don't tell them because they can careless, believe me when I tell you this and to anyone else who suffers the symptoms I go thru. I'm on my 2nd outbreak and it's not as bad as the first one. I do cry when this outbreak comes. It's very depressing. I feel my sex life is ruined because telling someone you want to have sex with that you have this and they look at you like you a much serious std like hiv. It is susceptible to hiv and aids if you are having unprotected sex. Condoms aren't 100% safe so the man will eventually get it as well. I e done my research. There are clinical trials about to happen in the United States but I would like to try them out because phase II has worked out very well and I will keep everyone posted. I will say the saying "walk a mile in my shoes before you talk any crap about this disease". People, doctors and nurses can snear all they want. We want help not your criticism. I accepted this and will never ever be comfortable talking about this unless someone asks for advice that actually is going thru what I'm going thru. So farewell to all and hope this helps. I am here for you all if u need to talk.

  • Posted

    Hi Katie,

    I appreciate you posted this ages ago but it popped up on my google search.

    Your experience is exactly the same as mine!

    Horrific first outbreak, most painful experience, I had to take time off work. Was checked and given a 5 day course of aciclovir which did the trick within 4 days to clear up the sores.

    I had about 3 days of calm and then some dull aching down the back of my thighs which I've now read is related to herpes.

    After that, this intense itching that you describe! Inside and outside my vagina, around my bum and skin on my bum cheeks.

    It's hard to handle and keeps me up at night!

    Does anyone have any home remedies for this?

    I'm shocked that the medical community doesn't mention this on any of their herpes advice pages inc. the NHS.

    The aching legs was pretty worrying at first and isn't mentioned anywhere unless you specifically google for it!

    Hoping it gets better 😩

    • Posted

      Hi smile

      Sorry to hear you're going through it at the moment, yes it definitely does get better!!

      My first outbreak was a couple of years ago and I can't really remember how long the itching lasted after but I think it was a couple of weeks until it was completely gone...however once it had gone it was like it had never happened!

      I have had another few outbreaks since but nothing like the first and with very minor itching once the sores had healed.

      In terms of relief I spent a lot of time in the bath as that seemed to be the only place it wasn't itching. Also ice packs wrapped in a towel gave a little relief.

      I agree there doesn't seem to be any good advice out there regarding herpes it's so frustrating!

      When I went back to the clinic asking if there was anything they could do about the itching it was like they didn't believe me, one nurse asked if I was being paranoid about another outbreak and thinking it was itchy when it wasn't. I broke down in tears in front of them and told them I'd barely slept more than a few hours for the whole week due to it and eventually they believed me but had no real advice to give other than some numbing gel they gave me.

      I really hope things start to clear up for you soon but stay positive it really does get better and other than the occasional outbreak I barely even remember that I have herpes at all smile

      Take care xxx

    • Posted

      Hi Katie

      Thank GOD for this forum! I genuinely thought I was losing the plot with all the seemingly unconnected symptoms and the lack of info available! I thought the itching was somehow psychosematic but now I understand it's all about nerves! Ironic as the GH is definitely getting on mine lol! I have now invested in Epsom salts and will be buying coconut oil tomorrow!

      For my part I am determined to help educate about GH and to remove some of the stigma!

      Sending you all light and love!

    • Posted

      I just got diagnosed 7/5/17. I believe the guy i got it from doesn't know he has it. I on the other hand got it severely. I've been itchy for 3 days now. So itchy and i can barely get any sleep. Does anyone know how long the itch will last? Today i was only itchy at bedtime. Sucks though cuz i only really get a few hours of sleep a night.

    • Posted

      You can ask your doctor to prescribe you topical lidocaine cream. This helped me so much during my first outbreak. Its kind of expensive but worth it because it is a topical anesthetic (numbing agent). You have to apply it multiple times a day because it will wear off but it helps a lot before urinating or having a bowel movement. If you cant get a prescription for lidocaine, you can go to your local drug store and buy hemorrhoid cream but make sure that lidocaine is listed in the ingredients or else it will not do you any good. I also suggest getting on suppressive drug therapy. It will be a low dose of an antiviral med that will lower the risk of future outbreaks and will make future outbreaks less severe. It also lowers the risk of transmitting the virus to your partner!! I dont know everything about this disease but I am a licensed nurse and also live with this disease myself. I havent had a full blown outbreak since my first outbreak which was about three and a half months ago. I believe I have what they call shedding which causes itching but i have not gotten any sores and my boyfriend and i have always had unprotected sex for over a year now and he has not had an outbreak ever. I do believe that this is because i take the antiviral suppressive therapy. I wish everyone the best of luck!
    • Posted

      Hi Tara thank you for your response. I'm past the burning stage just itchy at night time and it's sensitive down there. How often do you take the antiviral meds?

    • Posted

      To help your body fight the herpes virus you need to take these supplements L-Lysine 1000mg 3 x daily, Vitamin C 1000mg daily, Zinc 30mg 2 x daily and B-complex 50mg daily. The itch is absolutely terrible and there hasn't been noticeable relief from any treatment I have tried. Coconut oil will help slightly however the itch is the bodies was of dealing with the virus by releasing histamine and therefore not a topical issue. Try not to touch the itchy areas as this will only cause more irritation and histamine response. Go to your MD and start Valtrex or whichever anti-viral they prescribe. I'm researching this horrible virus and will hopefully have more information soon. This really does suck....but hang in there.

  • Posted

    Wow, thank you to those that have replied to this thread. I was recently diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with type 2. I was put on acyclovir and it seemed to speed up the healing process of my sores. Unfortunately, I too am dealing with this intense itching that keeps me up most of the night. I also have pain right under my butt cheeks and it hurts with touch. On top of that I just started my period on Monday and I'm pretty sure I may have an outbreak in my bum hole...it is sooooo painful to go to the restroom. I started acyclovir again on Monday and I'm trying to stay positive. The epsom baths do work, but of course that relief doesn't last. I'm a super healthy gal and I just can't seem to knock this out. I'm going to try the coconut lotion...I've been using coconut oil, but I'm not noticing much relief. Any other advice would be great. It's so nice knowing I'm not alone!

  • Posted

    Hi all ,

    Just stumbled on this forum. I was diagnosed 3 yrs ago. This is the first time I've experienced intense itching after a OB. I started taking Claritin and it has worked well so far. Also coconut oil. I just turned 50 in April and I will say it's been emotional journey. My outbreaks are not as extreme as the first( that was a horror) but you get to know your body and sense when it's about to happen again . So I start taking the antiviral as soon as I feel off. Usually I'm fine within 3-5 days. This time the itching !! I'll let everyone know how it goes with the Claritin. I have gone almost year without OB so this itching is different than my other experiences. Usually I get the itch before the sores. Then once the sores appear just discomfort. Wishing all the best . Happy We can all help each other. Never any clear answers or help from the medical community. So sad really.

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