question about the time length of pain following an outbreak

[jb]

I am new to this website and unfortunately had my first outbreak of genital Herpes about 5 months ago. I was devastated - recently divorced - and not making the wisest decisions. I had blood work done and it was positive for HSV I. I started taking Valtrex immediately and have pretty much been on it since I had my first outbreak.

What has been very upsetting to me is that the intermittent stabbing pain and discomfort around my initial outbreak site ( as well as my second outbreak site which came on about a month later) has been present almost daily with an occassional day or two reprieve only to come on when I least expect it. Each site still has a tiny red lesion which has never gone away. I am concerned that I possibly have some resistant strain and will always be "more contagious" because this pain has been constantly present. Should I try a new antiviral or topical medication?

These past 5 months have been quite challenging and I am looking for any answers and hope which may be out there. Please respond if you have the time. Thanks

[Guest dangermouse]

I don't have any medical answers but just wanted to wish you welcome. Good luck and be strong.

[hopeful1234]

We seem to have similar stories. I was diagnosed three weeks ago when I had my initial outbreak. I just received bloodwork confirming I have HSV 1 genitally also. However, my outbreak was pretty much healed in about 1 week and completely gone in about 9 days. Let me tell you what worked for me. First of all, I read about about Choraphor and would have used it but I'm allergic to sulfur. So you may want to try it. I began applying cornstarch when the blisters started to rupture. It helped keep it dry and actually soothed the area. Secondly, I was introduced to the idea of applying hydrogen peroxide 3% grade from drug store. THIS STUFF IS AWESOME! It tingles and slightly burns when the blisters are healing but only for a few seconds. Apply some to each infected area using cotton balls (use a fresh cottonball for each blister). It will fizz up and actually feels good after the initial sting. Blow the area dry with a blow dryer on cool setting after the application. Do this 2 to 3 times a day. Soak at night in epsom salt in a warm bath. Helps sooth and dry up the area. Moisturize the rest of your skin though bc it gets dry. Get yourself some travel spray bottles and fill them with hydrogen peroxide and keep one in the shower to apply when you shower & keep one in your purse to apply at work when you go to the bathroom. Take some cotton squares to clean the infected area & keep it dry. If you are a woman wear pantyliners and change them everytime you go to the bathroom. I take Valtrex daily along with Lysine to build your immune system. Take daily vitamins too. Avoid caffeine, nuts and foods high in Arginine (see this website for foods to avoid: http://www.freewebtown.com/fooddb/nutrdefs/511/2100.html) I've learned everybody is different but I did see that although my initial outbreak was horribly painful and thought too long...it really wasn't that long...it was painful but I started attacking this damn thing as hard as it attacked me and I think it helped.

Hopeful1234

[Hope3201985]

why should you were panty liners???

[Silent_Angel]

why should you were panty liners???

Probably to help keep the area dry. Moisture does not help the healing process... at least for me anyway.

I was diagnosed with Genital HSV1 about 4 years ago. I'm pretty sure I've had it for about 8 years. I didn't even know what my first outbreak was. I thought it was a severe yeast infection with a urinary track infection. It was extremely painful though.

Every OB since then has been hardly noticable. I can tell when one is coming because of the tingling feeling I get down below and sometimes pain in that area or my legs. But in eight years time I've had 3 or 4 OB's.

I think it gets better with time. It's been easy for me to even forget that I have it.

All I can recommend is taking vitamin C and eating properly. Take care of yourself and keep your immune system up. That really helps.

Yes you'll probably still get OB's but this should really help.

And if you get sick see your doctor for medicine. When the immune system is down b/c of illness it's kinda hard for it to keep the H in check.

So help it out!!

Good luck with everything. And try to learn your warning symptoms and how to manage it the way that works best for you!