[Question #4967] Hsv-1 Genital

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76 months ago
Dear Expert,

Had some questions regarding the herpes virus. 3 years ago I experienced something that looked like an outbreak, it were sores between my both labia in some kind of 'line". Later they tested blood and my bloodwork showed the HSV1 virus was present. 
No recurrences i'm aware of. But 1,5 week ago, when i was on (sun) holiday, i got bad pain inside my vagina. On and around my clitoris. It was red and I thought i saw little blisters. Next day the blister symptoms reduced. Day after that i thought i saw little sores again, but it was like an on/off symptom presence in the next days that followed. 
First doctor told me ; this is no herpes but a bacterial infection. Next doctor told me ; this could be herpes and he tried to swab a sore/spot. So still waiting for results. 
My questions regarding to the this situation:
  1. It not really herpes like that symptoms come and go every other day right? What do you think regarding to this story, could this be a reccurence?
  2. I touched the 'sores' but my hands were very dry/cracked because of the warm weather , any concern I can get herpes on my hands now? (read some stories about herpetic whitlow)
  3. I'm concerned when I have to touch my kid (2 years). Can he catch something from my hands?
  4. My mom checked/touched my vagina area when on holiday with me. She used a wipe to cover her fingers. But I'm worried i may have infect her now (on her hands) is this likely? She also washed my bikini bottom with soap and water, any concern?
Thnx in advance!
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76 months ago
Just to clearify point 4: she checked the area to see if something was going on, because i was in pain en it’s hard to see for yourself. 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
76 months ago
It's highly unlikely that herpes would present in this way.  Herpes lesions come and then go through a healing process and leave but to come and go? I don't believe so, no.
Your child would not catch herpes from your hands, no.  That is not how this is spread.  It is either through sex or through kissing someone with a cold sore or with cold sore virus present.  Not hands.
Once you have well established herpes, it is extremely unlikely that you would ever get it in a new location on our body. Herpes whitlow is almost always acquired during a first infection before the immune system has mounted a robust response.
There is no concern about your mom getting herpes in this way and also no concern about washing clothing.

Terri
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76 months ago

Thanks for the reply!

It’s 2 weeks ago now. That’s when the vague on/off symptoms started. Now it’s starting again like it started 2 weeks ago. Itching on my clitoris and looks like there are two little pimples on it? Also itching     at the top of my labia (and just a bit red).

  1. If it would be herpes, then it’s not likely it starts again after 2 weeks right and also with recurrences the healing time should be less then the first time? 
  2. I'm concerned to touch things after I touched my labia/vagina. Even if I wash my hands afterwards. For example if a use a tube of cream after, i'm worried the virus will be on the tube or in the cream. Is this even possible ( for the virus to survive in a cream)? Also with shaving. Let's say there is an outbreak. How can i desinfect my razor/epilator? Or do I need to buy a new one?
Thanks again!
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76 months ago
Wanted to add a situation:
I touched some spots with my hands (not sure if it were sores, but let’s say they are) and then  accidently touched my thigh/leg. Is there any chance i get sores there now too?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
76 months ago
The skin of thigh is too thick for virus to penetrate in this way.  That is not a worry.
And just because your are antibody positive for HSV 1, this does not mean you have genital infection - you could certainly have oral infection, but you probably know that, right?
There is nothing in your post that makes me think this is HSV 1 infection genitally.  And you do not need to worry about contaminating items or creams that you might use. If you shave over an active lesion that is absolutely determined to be herpes, you may wish to wash your razor well or not share with others.

Terri
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76 months ago
Thnx a lot Terri! 

Never showed oral symptoms, as far as i know.

Final question;
I did an igG test 2 years ago. Hsv1 positive, hsv2 negative. Is it likely the test missed an hsv2 infection? 

Thnx again for your time and expertise! 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
76 months ago
Not likely but possible.

Terri
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