[Question #8007] Hsv2 won’t go away
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49 months ago
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I have had hsv2 since august 2017. Ive had monthly outbreaks since then, mostly associated with my period. About 6 months ago, I started suppressive therapy of valtrex 1000mg daily. I am still getting frequent outbreaks. I tried taking 500mg in the morning and 500mg at night…still having outbreaks. I’m starting to get desperate and dont know what to do. I basically cannot have sex because of this. Is there any other options?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
49 months ago
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You could try Famvir, another option. When you say that you are having monthly outbreaks, would you please describe them, in detail, for me?
Terri
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49 months ago
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So I used to get an area of blisters about the size of a quarter on my right buttock. Since taking the valtrex, the outbreaks are much smaller, perhaps just 1-3 watery blisters in the same area. They take a lot time to resolve however. They crust over relatively quickly but the area is still a lesion for weeks. I never have a lesion free period to be honest. I’ve considered seeing a infectious disease doctor but don’t know how much they can help.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
49 months ago
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Buttocks lesions are so tough. The skin takes a long time to heal because it is so thick. Genital lesions happen on much thinner skin so healing happens far more quickly. In reality, you are unlikely to be shedding virus all the time the lesion is taking to heal, but it feels like the outbreak is still going on and on and on. I've had several female patients with this concern. Are you aware of when the outbreaks are starting, or just before? Are you increasing your dosing significantly when you recognize that sensation?
Terri
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49 months ago
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I’ve been told to double my dose, so 1 gram twice a day. That does not seem to do much…
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
49 months ago
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I think it would be beneficial if your healthcare provider could take a swab of a lesion when it is present and do a culture and if positive, request acyclovir resistance testing. When you say it is a lesion for weeks, in what form is it a lesion?
Terri
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