Herpes in other places?

[Roset]

Has anyone experienced having outbreaks in locations other than where are you first had yours? My first initial outbreak was in and on my genitals. I have experienced it in small area my hand and now I have a small outbreak on my elbow. (Same arm) It’s been really hard and confusing why I have more symptoms than the average person with herpes, I do have frequent outbreaks and take medication, I am a female and definitely notice more severe symptoms than my partner. Any advice or comfort would be great thank you. Im getting the feeling something deeper is going on with my body and how it is reacting to the virus, im only 23 and have had it since November. I try to cope and live life as normally as possible, i go to counseling and am a full time student. I try not to let stress get to me it might be the culprit or even maybe diet, any tips?

[Flowerteacher55]

Hello! 🙂 

I am so sorry to hear about your experience with HSV. I am also a college student, I am 22, and it is really frustrating to try and navigate dating and life as a student while having to deal with HSV! Please know it will be okay. It is so overwhelming sometimes, but please know you are never alone, and you can always ask questions and get support from this forum! ❤️ 

In regards to your outbreaks, others have shared their experiences of having outbreaks in other places besides the first primary outbreak spot, but the outbreaks are usually in close proximity to the primary outbreak area (for example, people who have their primary outbreak on their genitals may have their secondary outbreaks on their bottom, anus, crease of thighs, etc.) Having an outbreak on another region of the body is more rare, and as you said, could indicate that something else may be going on. 

Are you sure they are herpes sores? Do they feel/look the same as your previous sores? Have they gone through the stages of healing as your other sores? Before you noticed the sore on your hand and elbow, did you have any prodrome symptoms that you usually have when you get your usual outbreaks on your private area?

Also, do you take suppressive medication, or only take medication for when you have an outbreak? 

IN regards to the specific sores you noticed: If they do not hurt and don't have a center that oozed, it may be a common wart, which are nothing to worry about. If you are concerned, you can go see your doctor or a dermatologist (you may need a referral for this) and get it checked out. 

I hope this helps! 

Sending blessings of health and wellness your way!!
 

Blessings,

Grace

[Roset]

Hi thanks for the reply, i got my blood work done today so ill be seeing whats going on with my body if that is the issue. I talked to my doctor and she said all herpes is treated the same way so as far as my case it’s unfortunate that not many people have had the same experience as me.

i talked to my doctor about suppressive therapy so i will be doing that to see if my symptoms improve. I think my next step is to get a allergy panel because i just feel like theres alot of inflammation going on in my body and switch to a mostly plant based diet to help get my body the nutrients it needs to fight it.

my doctor confirmed today the outbreak on my elbow is herpes, and as far as my hand I’m sure it is because  when i take the medicine the symptoms subside and heal the blisters. The one on my elbow is painful and itchy so it is herpes unfortunately.

the symptoms i feel before sores start to show as red dots or raised red dots get itchy and sometimes i feel arthritis like symptoms in my hand and arm, i don’t feel tingles as much as i used to. And as far as genital outbreaks i dont get them unless if they are inside i wouldn’t be sure to know if i am or not since i dont see symptoms outside my vagina. I do feel muscle pains in my groin area and tingly occasionally but its more nerve like pain but no symptoms, it usually just shows up on my hand. Since the the skin on my hand is thicker than the rest of my body its more painful and stays longer because it gets kinda stuck under my skin and then eventually drys out and flakes off. 

[Hopefulforhelp]

Roset,

I am sooo sorry you have herpes in other areas but sooo glad you asked the question as I unfortunately have it spreading all over my body, including my face and eyes.  I am DEVASTATED to say the least!!! 

I’ve been working with a functional medicine Doctor and did find that there are 22 things I am allergic to that are affecting my immune system but most of them are things I already stay away from.

My infectious disease Doctor has referred me to an immunologist since she’s never seen a case as bad as mine.  I am praying the immunologist can help me!!!  

Praying you get help too and maybe we can both get some more feedback here!!!

Take care and know that better days are ahead, they have to be!!!

God Bless!!!
 

 

 

 

[Roset]

Thank you for sharing your story, i feel less alone it means a lot to me. How long have you had it? How old are you? 

I wish you a healthy and happy journey ahead and your strength is admired. Keep me posted if you find out whats going on! Im going to get my allergy test done soon and will see what is triggering my immune response. I can only hope some people can give us good feed back as well, our situation is super rare. Im doing my best to stay upbeat and positive. 

[Flowerteacher55]

Hello, @Roset! 

I hope the blood result provide some helpful insight into what could be going on. 

Also, I have been vegan for 11 years, and a plant-based diet helps with so much! 🙂 

I am sending you prayers and blessings of wellness and happiness! ❤️ 

Keep us updated on what happens! 🙂 

Blessings!

-- Grace

 

[Flowerteacher55]

Hi, @Hopefulforhelp!

I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Please know that we are all here for you to support you on this journey! 

I cannot even imagine the physical and emotional struggles you've been facing. Holy cow! 22 allergies is a lot!  It's great that you already stayed away from most of them 🙂 

It's great that your doctor referred you to a specialist/immunologist. I pray that provides insight and shines light on what could be done to help you heal ❤️. 

You are so strong and so kind to share your story on here, and we appreciate you! Please know that you are beautiful, you are a blessing, and that you are deserving and worthy of love and wellness in all its forms. I am sending prayers and blessings of health and happiness your way! ❤️ You mentioned God, so I thought I would share a saying that makes me feel supported in times of struggle:

"One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. 

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. 

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints. Other times there was one set of footprints.

This bothered me, because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So, I said to the Lord, "You promised me, Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. but I noticed that during most trying periods of my life, there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I have needed you most, you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied, "My dear child. The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, that is when I carried you." 

Your positivity and hope are so inspiring! 🙂 Thank you so so much, the world and this forum are so blessed to have you ❤️. 

Sending blessings and prayers of wellness and joy your way! 🙂🌻☀️ 

Blessings,

-- Grace 

[Hopefulforhelp]

@Roset, I felt the same way when I read your initial post, less alone, so thank you!!

I am 55 and have been symptomatic and have had confirmed hsv2 for 4 years.  It has been a true nightmare as I have symptoms more than I don’t and they are progressively getting worse.   I’ve had outbreaks on my genitals, mouth, hands, stomach, big toe, face and now VERY sadly on and in my eyes.  
 

I started wearing gloves to put on my face moisturizers as well as my body lotion as I am obviously spreading it without realizing it.  I’m literally afraid to touch myself or anyone else.  I feel like everything the doctors have told me and everything I’ve read that couldn’t or wouldn’t or shouldn’t happen has!!!  I feel very defeated personally but like you I do push through and maintain a positive attitude and outlook  as much as possible!!!!

I also am battling Lyme Disease and believe that’s what activated the virus for me, so I have a double whammy!!!  But I refuse to give up my hope, faith and my will that some day I too will live a life free of both of my active diseases!!!

It “really” breaks my heart to see someone as young as you battling this at this level too!!!  As mentioned you are not alone and thank you again for letting me know I am not either!!!

Please know you have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!!!

God Bless!!!  

Hope

[Hopefulforhelp]

@Flowerteacher55, THANK YOU, very much for your reply and for your VERY kind words!!!

Footprints is one of my ALL time favorite messages from above and I sooo appreciate you sharing it with me as I’ve never thought of it in connection to this hsv battle!!!  That REALLY helps!!!

I do remain hopeful and prayerful that we will find a way to turn this nightmare around sometime soon!!!

As I mentioned above I also have Lyme Disease and actually believe that healing from that is what activated the virus 4 years ago and sadly it basically hasn’t stopped since it started!!!  
 

I appreciate all the prayers and any support or suggestions anyone may have!!!

Thank you again and God Bless!!!!

Hope

[Flowerteacher55]

Hello, @Hopefulforhelp! 🙂 

I hope you are well. 

I am so sorry for the delay in responding to your post!

I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. Please know you are not alone. We are all here to support you however you need! ❤️ 

It sounds like your body is really having a reaction to the virus, and your body may be struggling to fight off the virus and keep it dormant, hence the outbreaks in regions all over your body. Every member of my family has Lyme Disease, and it can be such a difficult illness to manage.

Lyme Disease is very odd because it sparks without reason, and can trigger other illnesses (such HSV), but the antibiotics they give you for Lyme Disease actually inhibit your immune system from preforming properly (it decreases the body's ability to express inflammation/show an immune response in an effort to make the inflammation and reactions to the Lyme go away). This is good to rid of the Lyme, but if you are exposed to another illnesses or have one already (HSV), your body's immune system is unable to properly fight off infection, and this is probably why you keep infecting yourself. 

Typically, the body protects you from giving yourself herpes. However, if you are on  medicine such as doxycycline, your immune system may be struggling to prevent outbreaks and keep the virus at bay, and may be struggling to prevent yourself from infecting yourself.

I am so sorry to hear about this. I admire your positivity and kindness! 🙂 You are SO strong! ❤️ 

Stay well! ❤️ You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending blessings and health and happiness you way! ❤️ 

-- Grace

[Roset]

@Flowerteacher55 @Hopefulforhelp

little update i got my blood tests done everything is normal, still getting random almost month out breaks on my hand. Just couple weeks ago it appeared on my elbow. My doctor said she believes i have shingles and it may have been activated by genital herpes so she thinks i have both, i have not experienced a outbreak in my genitals just on my hands usually. So she has given me different dosage and ive been eating pretty clean. I find that any time im not drinking enough water in the day i start to notice more symposium so keep drinking lots of water every day! Im also getting my allergy panel  done so see if there inflammation going on anywhere else and prevent this virus from making my life hell lol. I play volleyball competitively too so i always wrap my hand, its hard when you feel like you have to hide whats going on with you because  you fear of people will  being afraid of you. 

[Flowerteacher55]

Hello! 

Thank you for updating us!! It's great that your doctor is looking into many things. The possibility of shingles and herpes activation could definitely make sense since they are both forms of herpesviruses. 

Staying hydrated is essential for so many reasons, and so is nourishing yourself with quality grub! Make sure you are taking care of your emotional health too. You matter and you are important! 

The constant friction and impact of the volleyball on your hands may be why the sores are appearing there (since friction can cause skin irritation which can lead to sores). 

I am so sorry that this is all happening. Please know that you have no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed. If someone would even ask what was going on (which is none of their business in the first place) you could say it's a skin allergy. People who are afraid of us are uneducated about H, and their fear shows who THEY are, not who you are. 

Stay strong and hold your head high!! We are here for you 💛!!

Sending blessings of health and happiness your way! 🌄

-- Grace