In 2014, I had a shingles-looking rash on my left posterior thigh (medial) so I went to the doctor and they gave me valacyclovir. It returned a month later so I was referred to infectious disease. The lesions were healed so I had bloodwork done which confirmed a diagnosis of HSV2 with an IGG of 3.06. Ive gotten tested a few times over the years and its always 3.0. I don't take antivirals.

I have had a few random recurrences, generally once/year or every other year. I get nerve pain in my thigh and a red raised and SOMETIMES 1-2 vesicles (the first two outbreaks I had there was a cluster of blisters).

I read a response to a question on here regarding a woman who had herpes on her torso. The response said the initial point of infection must have been genital. And a similar response to someone who had herpes on their inner thigh.

My question is how can it be confirmed that the genitals were the initial site of infection and WHERE does the shedding occur? I understand there are PCR/NAAT swabs on the market but my OB will not test my vaginal secretions for shedding (I do understand we don't shed all daily) but I am still desperate to know where the virus actually resides.

It is a conundrum to me because I have had three long-term partners (not at the same time) and NONE of them have ever sero-converted to HSV2. The first partner I actually had unprotected oral and vaginal sex with during the second outbreak (I thought it was shingles). We had sex 1-2xs/week for about 2 years. With my second partner we rarely had unprotected sex but he performed oral sex on me 100% of the time. We had sex nonstop. And with the last guy we always used condoms but he also performed oral sex on me 100% of the time. I also squirt and can say they all have ingested some and gotten it on their skin/genitals at some point.

I had applied to be in a clinical study that tested for shedding but they denied me because I don't have frequent enough outbreaks.

I would disagree that an outbreak on the torso was necessarily a result of a genital infection.  That is an entirely different nerve group.  I would definitely agree that an outbreak on the thigh was the result of a genital infection as that IS in the same nerve group.

If you have a recurring outbreak on your thigh, I would say with an extremely high degree of certainty that this a result of a genital infection.  Shedding occurs from the genitals and anus. 

Is it correct that all three of your long term partners have tested negative by IgG test for HSV 2?  If the answer to that is yes, then either you aren't shedding virus very often OR it is possible that you have HSV 1 genitally?  Have you never had any of these outbreaks swab tested?  What was your HSV 1 value? Have you never had any genital symptoms? Shingles is not a recurring disease in the healthy adult - only 4% of people who get shingles once have a recurrence. So I think shingles is very unlikely here.

Terri

I am not sure that my question was answered. I want to know how I can test to see where the shedding is.

I am aware that I do not have shingles. That was my initial diagnosis before the outbreak recurred and I had a blood test performed that confirmed HSV2.

My igg tests have always resulted around 3 for HSV2. HSV 1 negative. All of my partners have tested negative for HSV2 igg.

I have never tested the outbreaks. The last few times it happened there have been no sores, only a red rash.

If your results are around 3, there is a chance that this is a false positive but your lesions sounded pretty classic.  I don't consider a red rash to  be really typical of herpes.  A typical herpes outbreak would look like a group of water blisters on a red base if they happen on the thigh.

Typically, people with HSV 2 shed virus from the genitals and anus.

Terri

What kind of swabs would I need and how can I order them to test for shedding? Can this only be done under a physician? I understand it is expensive but I am willing to pay— I just need to know what needs to be ordered and how I can go about getting the testing done. 

Thank you.

OK, I can accept that you don't think this is a false positive.  Lets say for the sake of argument that you are truly infected with HSV 2. 

You need swabs that can be used either for culture or for PCR (better).  I can do this with you now.  I have the system all figured out. 

If you are infected and the lesions are on your thigh, that means you are also infected genitally.  I know bad news. 

Each PCR swab is $125.  I can send them to you but you will need to return them to me second day air. 

How does this sound to you?  If you want to do it, you will need to set up a video conference with me at westoverheights.com and we'll talk about it and set it up.

Your posts are exhausted here - let's talk more at westoverheights.com.  You could also talk to your own provider about doing a similar thing - it doesn't have to me with me!

Terri