[Question #7127] Still having itching, burning
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60 months ago
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It’s been four years and I still itch and burn, I get breakouts that look like folliculitis on my buttocks and breast. I have tried antibiotics with no benefit. Also I did the western blot herpes test that came back positive for 1 and negative for 2. I have not dated and I am driving myself insane trying to figure out what is wrong with me. I hope you can see my previous question.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
60 months ago
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It feels like despite the western blot being negative for HSV 2, you are still believing that your symptoms are somehow related to herpes. Are you thinking that these breakouts are related to HSV 1? That seems really unlikely to me. Have you had the breakouts swab tested for bacteria? If yes, what was the result? If not then you should.
I'm sorry that you have decided not to date for four years. Is this because you have HSV 1? About half the population of the US has HSV 1 infection so I don't think that's a reason not to date.
What is it about these breakouts that lead you to believe that they are not folliculitis?
Terri
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60 months ago
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Because folliculitis usually does not continue on for four years I was told by my doctor. Every time I have a breakout it clears up before I can get in to have it cultured. Also the tingling and what I call a hot spot. Random place of stinging pain like an ant bite but nothing there. Small red bumps randomly over butt and vaginal area. I don’t think this is hsv 1 but I am so clueless and broken mentally over this.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
60 months ago
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I would really disagree that folliculitis cannot be present on and off for four years. I definitely think it can be! In my practice, I've seen so much folliculitis and it definitely comes and goes and is spread out and is characterized by small red bumps, often on a hair follicle, that come and go pretty quickly.
Are you broken because you think this is herpes? Or because you can't sort out what is going on here? They are very different issues.
A couple of ideas: ask your clinician if you could have herpes swab test kit to take home and gather right away when you see the bumps, then return them to their office so they can send them to the lab. Or come to some agreement their office that they will see you right away when you have a bump. This needs to get resolved and they have the ability to help you with this.
Terri
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60 months ago
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Would you swab the red bumps or the bumps that have pus or both? With the herpes swab test and is there a certain swab test I need to ask for?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
60 months ago
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I would swab any bump that is concerning to you. This had bothered you and changed your life so much - if you get negative PCR or NAAT swabs from any bump or bumps, you should feel reassured that this isn't herpes
Terri
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