Newlyhopeless25

My initial outbreak was like yours. It dragged on....there was a small skin lesion on my cheek (if you will) then I just kept having more things. I def. had initial flu like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion. I didn't have a lot of pain but I did have itching. I did have a little success with diaper rash creme (the really thickstuff) but the most success I had was using Benadryl. Also I have only had one real outbreak since then -- I take daily valtrex -- and it was hardly anything. Really tho, try Benadryl. Unfortunately doctor already has me on Benadryl every six hours. Has made no improvements.

I'm posing this question for herpes veterans and newbies alike. I want to know your thoughts and experiences. It's been under a month since I had my first outbreak and only a week since my official diagnosis (GHSV 1). Yesterday I noticed a small bump on my outer labia which I'm assuming means I'm having my second outbreak. My period is also due soon and from what I've read that could be a reason for why I'm having another outbreak so soon. Sigh. I'm wonder what your thoughts are on using antivirals (I was given Acyclovir) full time for at least the first year. I know at this point my body still has to get use to everything that's going on. I just don't know if I can do this every month. Also, would my body get use to the antivirals if I did take them full time and consequently have to up my dosage eventually? I was told not to take the daily. I was given the same prescription two times a day for ten days. It cleared up (enough) and was given a new prescription to take for 3 days at a time IF I start feeling an outbreak beginning. I'm not sure if it's good to take a medicine constantly because your body may become immune to it over time. Plus, your body should be able to build a strength and immunity against it and hopefully you won't have outbreaks for a long time. I was told that there's even a chance I may never have an outbreak again, or at least for a long time. But I have heard that it could come with a period.

Have you been checked for a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis? Assuming you've tested negative for other STI's that can cause itching, it's quite possible you have a yeast infection or BV. They can happen anytime there is an upset in the delicate balance of bacteria and/or yeast in the vagina. I'm currently battling BV AND a yeast infection, and I can absolutely relate to the intense itching. As for the apparent scarring, I don't know about that. Did your doctor examine you to see what you were talking about? If not, I think I would ask for an examination, and possibly a test for the two infections I mentioned. I'm sorry you're going through this. I, personally, find it very disconcerting to deal with such issues in my "lady bits"! Yes I've been tested for other STI's and they came back negative. Yes I was tested for BV and a yeast infection and they came back negative. She gave me the medicine for the yeast infection anyway because it couldn't hurt me, so I took it and no improvement. I also wasn't examined since then in regard to the scarring. I just noticed it a few days ago when I shaved for the first time since then. Yes it does suck dealing with these problems and I am due to have surgery next month for the third time for endometriosis and polycystic ovaries, except this time I am having a bowel resection due to the growths getting into my intestine. So, on top of all the existing problems with my reproductive system, herpes showed up at the worst possible time.

Are internal outbreaks a thing? I have severe itchiness inside and my doctor already verified it's not a yeast infection.

Normally the sore would open up and eventually bleed. I think if it's been a couple weeks and that hasn't happened, you're most likely safe. If you want relief and you're not sure, have your doctor look at it.

I suffered through a primary outbreak starting about a week and a half before Christmas. If you've had a primary outbreak you'd know how painful it is. I started getting paranoid and felt pretty hopeless about the situation. I'm only a 25 year old female. They swabbed me on 12/21 and I found out on 12/26 that it was positive. I wasn't as stressed once I knew the truth. It was helpful to me to not have to worry. They started me on meds twice a day for ten days. The sores went away after about four days. But it is now the 11th of January, 2017, and I am still having extreme itching. I also have what looks like scarring on the inside of the labia where the sores were. It's pretty upsetting considering I've read everywhere that there shouldn't be scarring at all. That is the lesser of the problem, because I am still itching severely. I'm trying not to scratch, but just rub instead. They gave me a prescription in case I flare up again, but I have not taken it. I told the doctor I was still itching and she told me I shouldn't be itching, and had no solution for this problem. Is this ever going to stop? It's been almost a month since it started and I haven't had much relief besides the sores being gone. Also, if anyone wants to be friends and get through this together I'd be happily open to do that.