Staving first outbreak?

[AwkwardTalker]

Hi, I am just seeking some perspective.

 

I've been exposed to herpes (the partner, who was really someone i met through less reputable means, wont tell me about what type it is) a week ago. I noticed herpes blisters on this person breast area after our make out. She insisted I was seeing things, she was in utter denial. Immediately on the next day, I visited a walk-in clinic and the doctor prescribed me 850mg of acyclovir for 5 times a day, 7 days. I have been having some symptoms since Saturday 2am. I believe I have what is known as the prodromal symptoms: red spot on my lip, but it doesn't tingle nor does it burn or even itch. In the centre of the spot I can see a small dimple. From my understanding the prodromal period is short, half a day to a day, but in that time period spot has neither enlarged or swelled more, and since I'm on anti-virals and this is my first outbreak, am I outbreaking?

 

edit: I really don't know what to do. My sister wants me to watch my niece for a week while she goes on a work trip. I can't personally deal with this now. Out of shear desperation, and being a slightly overweight guy, I just jumped on the first attention I got. I don't know what to do? I feel embarrassed. I fear my sister will think I am dirty and I wont get to see my niece ever again. I work at home. I do web development. I cannot focus on work. I don't know what to do.

 

 

[MMissouri]

I'm really at a loss with this post. First of all, how do you know for sure that it was herpes on her breasts? (That's an odd area for herpes to begin with). And a doctor prescribed you antivirals based on what?

 

And..In order for you to get an outbreak on your mouth from her breast, you would have had to spend quit a bit of time with your mouth on it. And you didn't notice this until after you made out?

 

Anyway..

 

If you don't feel up to watching your niece until you get this sorted out, then just say you are feeling under the weather. I think I would stop the antivirals, see what happens, and if a blister appears get it swabbed asap. If it does turn out to be herpes, I'm going to be amazed, because this is an odd situation.

[AwkwardTalker]

I didn't notice it because the room was dark, she has dark skin and long hair, that hair covered her breast. It was only after the make out and in the process of her putting her bra back on that I saw it. I was shocked, I freaked out because I thought it was shingles. I thought what I engaged in was safe. It was only a make out, I spent maybe 5 minutes rubbing her breasts on all parts of my face.

 

The blisters looked like what I got when I had shingles but are merged and grouped within a side of her breast, the grouping of blisters at the time were intact and occupy a quarter sized area. She is denying it but the description of it that I provided to the doctors really questions that denial. Herpes apparently can appear on the skin of the body, I believe it is called Herpes gladiatorum. The doctor said it is more likely to be herpes gladiatorum because if she had shingles, she would be incredible amount of pain, and considering the weirdness of the place (a very intimate area), I have an hunch as to what sort of sex moves she probably engaged in to get it.

 

Anyway, I woke up about 3 hours ago and I found another red spot on my lip. The previous red spot, was on the right side of the cupid's bow, this one is on the left side. I don't know if this is par course of an outbreak, but prior the appearance of the second red area, I noticed a very very sharp pain within the inside and in the upper part of my left cheek. It was noticeable for a few hours then disappeared.

 

The doctor said if it is herpes, the first outbreak will happen and taking anti-virals will reduce the severity of the outbreak.

 

http://i.imgur.com/BSI5phS.jpg

[MMissouri]

Herpes gladiatorum is the proper term, but I'm still surprised they gave you meds before giving you a diagnosis. If you want to be tested, it could affect your test results. They didn't offer to swab the spots?

[AwkwardTalker]

After my contact with this woman, and noticing the blisters on her, and after hearing her denial about, I immediately went to the doctor and told them what happened and about my situation and the doctor said it could be either HSV-2 or HSV-1, considering the spot of her body where it is located (on her breast). Because of my niece, I was fearful of encountering HSV-2 and since I have a history of eczema, I did not want a massive first outbreak. The antivirals seem to put a halt to a patch of eczema from arising on my forehead, which is incredible. Though is noticeably red and scaly/raised and has no blisters, and it doesn't burn, itch and isn't painful which is the same as my mouth red spots. Is this typical for someone on antivirals?

 

I am planning to visit the doctor for a swab test tomorrow, do you think because I took the antivirals, such a test wont detect anything?

 

I know not to touch my lip, but I have been touching my forehead. Should I cancel my niece, am I out of the woods in terms of my first outbreak?

 

Also do you know if I will always outbreak in these two spots, (forehead, lips) or is the forehead a first time around sort of thing?

[MMissouri]

Herpes gladiatorum is caused by HSV1 (if it is caused by HSV2, I've never heard of that). The type doesn't really matter. Just be mindful of washing your hands after touching the area and of course keep her out of contact with the area until it clears. (IF this is truly herpes).

 

I do not think you should be on antivirals without a herpes diagnosis. That's just my opinion. And swabs depend on viral load, so a healing lesion or secondary outbreak may not have as much of a viral load as a fresh/new outbreak does. Meaning you may get a false positive. I'm not a doctor though, so go with what your doctor suggests (although I'm already iffy on their methods considering they are handing out meds without confirmation of what they are treating.)

[AwkwardTalker]

Herpes gladiatorum is caused by HSV1 (if it is caused by HSV2, I've never heard of that). The type doesn't really matter. Just be mindful of washing your hands after touching the area and of course keep her out of contact with the area until it clears. (IF this is truly herpes).

 

I do not think you should be on antivirals without a herpes diagnosis. That's just my opinion. And swabs depend on viral load, so a healing lesion or secondary outbreak may not have as much of a viral load as a fresh/new outbreak does. Meaning you may get a false positive. I'm not a doctor though, so go with what your doctor suggests (although I'm already iffy on their methods considering they are handing out meds without confirmation of what they are treating.)

 

Herpes Gladiatorum can also be caused by HSV-2. It just depends on how it is acquired, and yes both viruses are very similar. But isn't there a difference in that HSV-2 sheds more asymptotically than HSV-1?

 

The doctor gave me the antivirals to ensure a milder first outbreak and in my province in canada, the only test covered that can confirm herpes is an immunological test that is done 3 months after the first outbreak which would be too late to do anything about the first outbreak, by then I would have some antibodies. I expressed concerns about not having a huge first outbreak.

 

edit: I think I need to stand up for the doctor's decision. He made a decision based on exposure to it, his agreement with my description of what I saw and the activity I've engaged in. The antivirals aren't there prevent an infection, but to reduce the symptoms by reducing viral load. HSV-2 CDC guidelines for first outbreak is anti-virals. The first outbreak is also the outbreak one tends to auto-inoculate themselves with other forms of herpes.

 

[MMissouri]

The majority (if not all) are caused by HSV1. It's called "mat herpes". And unless it's a very rare case, I would guess you have HSV1. I understand the concerns you have, and why you would want antivirals just in case, but I still don't agree with the way things are progressing. (I'm very much a test result before treatment type person).

 

Anyways. Good luck, hope you get some answers soon.