[Question #2061] HSV-1 new infection

89 months ago

I am a 33year old fem with 2 small children. I have been with the same man for the past 8 years. 4 mo after having my baby (dec25) I came down with pain while urinating. This got mis dx as a UTI. It wasnt until 8 days later that I got the proper dx of HSV1 genitally confirmed via vaginal swab. I got an IGM blood test with 1.53 ratio (no igg test). The primary OB lasted 3weeks. During this time I took Valtrex 1 gram a day but it didnt seem to help. Since then ive been on suppressive therapy. I tried valtrex 500 a day then valtrex 1 a day and now famvir 250 2x a day. Its not helping. My vag is non stop itching with frequent mucus. On onset of itch I take higher dosages and put lemon balm on the area and usually only get a 1 ot 2 tiny blisters. Since then I have also gotten a few whiteheads on lips and in nose which i think are HSV1. Lemon Balm makes them go away. I am not immunocompromised.

Why wont it go away even on Supp therapy? How do i get this virus to go dormant?
Muy husband just got tested and is + for HSV 1 with IGG of 63. GIven his and my numbers can you tell if either is newly aquired or old?
Given that my husband may only have oral (hes never had OB of either) can i posisbly give him genital? We both only have hsv1.
I use cream for my vag. Should I not use same oitnment for my lips. Am i still at risk for autoinocclation with eyes or lips

I got tested for all other STD’s etc and nothing else is going on

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

89 months ago

It would be useful for you to have this area swab tested for herpes to see if herpes is really causing all of these symptoms. Many things can cause itching in the genital area. HSV 1 is an very infrequently recurring infection in the genital area and I would be very surprised is this was causing all your symptoms. The fact that antiviral therapy is not changing your picture, this is more evidence that all of your symptoms are not herpes related.
His infection is well established, not new.
Now that you both have HSV 1, you can do whatever you like sexually. Once you have a well established infection in one location on your body, it is extremely unlikely you will acquire this in a new location.
If you got this from your husband, and I assume you kiss him, you may have this orally as well but whiteheads usually aren't herpes related. I think you can use whatever you like on these whiteheads.
Please let me know what other questions you might have.
I strongly suggest that you see your normal health care provider to have an evaluation of these genital symptoms.

Terri
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89 months ago

Hi Terri,

Thank you so much for the quick reply. The reason I feel like it is herpes is because 1) When I take high dose of the anti viral the symptoms go away for a few days 2) sometimes I see tiny blisters or lesions 3) I will see mucus in between my labia which I have never seen before (Its usually only inside). Is it possibly that i just need a really high dose for an extended period of time? I definitely will get re-swabbed when I feel itching although I though I need an open blister to for it to show up which I dont always have. I also got tested recently for everything that could cause itching and nothing showed up. Could it be post heretic itch? if so is there any treatment for it?

So just to confirm, I can use the same ointment I use on vag on lips? I was worried the virus could live inside it since I double dip. Also based on my numbers can you tell if its a new infection and newly acquired?

Thanks again for your help!

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

89 months ago

I can't tell if it is new or old infection because it appears that you didn't have an IgG test done, which is the test that would have told us that.
Mucous is not a symptom of herpes reactivation, so I'm not sure what that's about.
If you do have a tiny blister or lesion, please get that swab tested.
Yes, you can use the same topical treatments vaginally or orally though you should know that if you keep the area dry rather than moist, things will resolve more quickly

Terri
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89 months ago

Thank you. Last thing. Is it possible I have post heretic itch and do you know if there are treatments available for it?

Thank you

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

89 months ago

I don't know of something called post herpetic itch, I know of something called post herpetic neuralgia, which presents with very different symptoms, but not itch.
There is a topical medication called Eurax (by prescription) that can be very good for itching.

Terri
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