[Question #9074] Hsv shedding/protection

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36 months ago
  1. If the outbreaks primarily occur on the lower back area/upper buttocks, what protective measures are recommended? Can a dental dam of sorts (transparent bandage) that is applied to the outbreak site work as a form of protection to prevent transmission during viral shedding? 
  2. Does viral shedding happen from the site where the outbreaks usually occur, or does it happen from anywhere in the boxer brief area? I am clear about the risk of contact with a lesion. However, when there are no symptoms or visible signs, what’s the recommendation for a protective barrier when you have sacral herpes?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
36 months ago
1. While lesions could be covered during sex, the issue is that even with outbreak on the buttocks, virus can be shed from the genitals as well, even if there are no outbreaks there.
2.  The virus does not shed from thick skin like thighs or buttocks or belly if there is no lesion there.  Shedding happens from mucous membranes or very thin skin of the genitals or anus.

The best way to reduce transmission risk is to use condoms and/or daily antiviral medication daily.  
Please let me know what questions you may have.

Terri Warren
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36 months ago
Follow up: 

Is Valtrex in the generic form effective and can you get two outbreaks at the same time in two different locations- buttocks and tip of penis? 

Thanks 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
36 months ago
Yes, the generic form is effective, for sure.  
It is possible to have outbreaks in two locations at the same time but I will say that it is not common, for sure.  Is that what you think you have been experiencing?  

Terri
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