5 weeks began w/ thought was a pimple on lip line. went to DR-told me cold sores & 1000mg Valtrex for 2 days, then 30 days 500 mg Valtrex.  took rX+1000 mg lysine daily.Day after I visited DR I developed micro bumps on upper lip.Experienced similar textured "rash" on & around lips 10 ys. ago.Believe came from touching face W. dirty hands after collecting cans from garbage. Thought it was Poi. Ivy, now think may have been my 1st OB.Have never had definitive symptoms btwn epi. 10 years ago and now, possibly had what thought were pimples on lip line(adult acne).Seemed possible at the time.OB cleared up 6 days after visiting DR.During this hard time my SO was on 2 wk vaca. Waited 2 return b4 sharing difficult news.kissed upon arrival, thought it was ok bc clear. 1wk to muster the courage.abt 3wks since I visited the DR and symptom free for 2. He insinuated I acquired from being w someone while he was away bc I never had symptoms over year we have been together.SO paranoia compounded after visiting his DR 5 days ago who said it was “very unlikely” for single OB to appear out of after 10 years.past 3 days -Friday 20 degrees, and extremely windy= wind burnt face. Yesterday- small bumps symptoms again on top lip refrained from kissing SO. Today-new symptoms clearing up, but SO says he’s experiencing a bump for the first time on upper lip corner. Worried for him & feel awful. Do u think my 1st infection came from touching face w dirty hands? Why is it attacking all sudden? 

IF this is herpes and from what I read, it may or may not be herpes,you did not get it from touching your face with dirty hands - this is a virus acquired from another person.  These bumps should be swab tested to be certain they are herpetic.  It is unusual to go 10 years between outbreaks but absolutely possible.   It would be interesting to know what the antibody status of your partner is - has he been tested to know if he might be infected? 

Terri
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Thank you so much Terri for answering my questions and providing this valuable service.

Yes,  go and have the bump swab tested today.  Remember that 56% of the US population between 14 and 49 have HSV 1 infection so very very common - I seriously doubt that there is a relationship between the arthritis and this.  I think there is a relationship between people getting very chapped lips and possible cold sore recurrences, yes, people do say that.  And also a relationship between sun exposure and outbreaks and dental procedures and laser facial procedures - anything that irritates that nerve.

If you do get a swab test, ask for PCR method if possible (vs. old style culture) and also be certain it get typed (1 or 2) if positive.

Terri
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