Help! Do these look like HSV? (photos)

[PleaseHelp24]

After 6 months I'm no closer to figuring out whats going on with my body. But the symptoms are too many and too pronounced to ignore, and too coincidental for me to arrive at any other diagnosis other than HSV2. Please take a look at the photos and tell me what you think.

A bit of background: oral+genital encounter 6 months ago. Pre-existing HSV1+. Since then my HSV2 blood tests have turned up negative (multiple IGGs neg thru 22 wks; Western Blot neg at 23 wks). Have had a number of physical exams, with Drs skeptical but never ruling our gen HSV. But these exams also never seemed well-timed to a visible outbreak.

But the symptoms: (oh, the symptoms!) Began with swelling, rash, red bumps on glans and foreskin; unexplained urethritis at around 6 wks; later weird bumps inside inside mouth, with reoccurring dry skin and a cold sore or two around lips; big ugly pustule on side of scrotum that wept clear fluid, popped, and is now scarred (but weeps occasionally still when I mess with it); new hemmorhoid-looking problem around anus; continued discomfort and itching around scrotum and penis glans. Also occasions of burning in tail bone area, really ill feeling, and weird new vertigo, and sore throat. This doesnt even cover all of them. Importantly, a subsequent partner has since experienced cold sores, throat, red bumps on her lower back, occasional bouts of general malaise and ill feeling. 

If I have HSV2 I need to find it out so I can avoid giving it to anyone else. Am feeling lost, anxious and helpless. And have already spent a small fortune on tests - the results of which I am now doubting entirely (along with many others on this forum site). Probably hard to tell much from these photos, but any help appreciated. Thanks

[Whyyyyy]

Have you had the sores swabbed? Some people don't produce antibodies for some reason (pretty rare) but it happens.

[PleaseHelp24]

Thanks, @Whyyyyy. I actually did have one swab come back negative - it was of the pustule mentioned above. But I intentionally left that out because it was a) likely a recurrent and not primary lesion (appeared approx 10 wks after encounter); b) I think I had it swabbed too late to be accurate (something like a wk after it appeared); and c) had it culture-tested, not PCR'd - so using an inferior test. I dont have much faith in that having been a totally accurate test.

Ever since I've been on the lookout for another lesion that might be swabbed, but my derm has never found anything they've thought they could swab. They have offered only a biposy, and I'd like to try to avoid them cutting me open down there, especially if we cant be certain its during an outbreak.

[MoniqueLow]

8 minutes ago, PleaseHelp24 said:

Thanks, @Whyyyyy. I actually did have one swab come back negative - it was of the pustule mentioned above. But I intentionally left that out because it was a) likely a recurrent and not primary lesion (appeared approx 10 wks after encounter); b) I think I had it swabbed too late to be accurate (something like a wk after it appeared); and c) had it culture-tested, not PCR'd - so using an inferior test. I dont have much faith in that having been a totally accurate test.

Ever since I've been on the lookout for another lesion that might be swabbed, but my derm has never found anything they've thought they could swab. They have offered only a biposy, and I'd like to try to avoid them cutting me open down there, especially if we cant be certain its during an outbreak.

Hi, it doesn't need to be hsv 2, it can be hsv 1 genital. Other symptoms seems to confirm that it's herpes. Swab culture is not very helpful. I got ghsv 1 even if I have oral one for long time. It's hard to say if it was transmitted genitally or orally (has your partner oral hsv 1?). Also, your partner has lesions on her lower back? It doesn't seem like initial outbreak, more recurrent one. Then you write she's got flu like symptoms, strange. IMHO It could be definitely genital hsv 1 for both of you, but who is giver is uncertain... I hope it helps and you'll get better. Take care.

[PleaseHelp24]

Thanks, @MoniqueLow. But I have had HSV1 antibodies for years, and never had any outbreaks down below. Isnt it incredibly unlikely I could suddenly get HSV1 (presumably oral) in a second location?

[MoniqueLow]

12 minutes ago, PleaseHelp24 said:

Thanks, @MoniqueLow. But I have had HSV1 antibodies for years, and never had any outbreaks down below. Isnt it incredibly unlikely I could suddenly get HSV1 (presumably oral) in a second location?

Yeah, I was also hoping that antibodies should protect me, but no, sorry. Everywhere on official sites you read "unlikely", but it doesn't mean impossible. I have got it "down there" although I have oral hsv 1 since childhood :-( also, since I got genital hsv1, my oral one has become very active. I have cold sores almost every week. I guess it's because the body fight infection and immunity is low.

[PleaseHelp24]

@MoniqueLow how did you come to know your GHSV infection was HSV1? You had it swabbed?

I suppose this something I always overlooked as being a possibility...

[MoniqueLow]

I had few swabs, but not the first time during my initial outbreak, so it came negative (I think it was just pimples). I did blood test, so I know I am hsv 2 negative and it has to be hsv 1. I have still symptoms, so no doubt I have it. Sorry, I know it's not what you wanna hear. I also tried many explanation and research what else it can be, but yeah... 

11 minutes ago, PleaseHelp24 said:

@MoniqueLow how did you come to know your GHSV infection was HSV1? You had it swabbed?

I suppose this something I always overlooked as being a possibility...

 

[PleaseHelp24]

Thanks @MoniqueLow. I appreciate your help. Have you also considered that maybe you contracted HSV2 in addition to HSV1, but that your body never made antibodies for it? I've been thinking that could be the case with me; that perhaps these blood tests arent nearly as accurate as the experts say. There is certainly a lot of similar sentiment on this site. Also - how many weeks (or months or years) after your encounter did you take your last blood test? I waited the the 12, and then 16, that I thought would be conclusive. But Im still testing...

[MoniqueLow]

9 minutes ago, PleaseHelp24 said:

Thanks @MoniqueLow. I appreciate your help. Have you also considered that maybe you contracted HSV2 in addition to HSV1, but that your body never made antibodies for it? I've been thinking that could be the case with me; that perhaps these blood tests arent nearly as accurate as the experts say. There is certainly a lot of similar sentiment on this site. Also - how many weeks (or months or years) after your encounter did you take your last blood test? I waited the the 12, and then 16, that I thought would be conclusive. But Im still testing...

I waited more than year for blood test. I've read that hsv 1 is tricky on blood test, hsv 2 usually shows up, so I wouldn't waste money on testing.

[MoniqueLow]

Also, why do you think it's type 2? Symptoms are pretty similar and recurrence too for some people... do you have recurrent symptoms? For me, I got my initial OB 3months ago, but have contracted it 1.5y ago (my recent long-term partner is H neg.). I think it stayed dormant so long thanks to my prior oral hsv 1. Did you get symptoms right after exposure?

14 minutes ago, PleaseHelp24 said:

Thanks @MoniqueLow. I appreciate your help. Have you also considered that maybe you contracted HSV2 in addition to HSV1, but that your body never made antibodies for it? I've been thinking that could be the case with me; that perhaps these blood tests arent nearly as accurate as the experts say. There is certainly a lot of similar sentiment on this site. Also - how many weeks (or months or years) after your encounter did you take your last blood test? I waited the the 12, and then 16, that I thought would be conclusive. But Im still testing...

 

[PleaseHelp24]

@MoniqueLow Ive been under the strong impression that its HSV2 but that my body hasnt made any antibodies to it. Ive thought this because I figured I couldnt get HSV1 in a second location. However, tbh the encounter involved way more oral than genital, for both of us, so perhaps this should never have been too far from consideration. But another reason Ive strongly thought HSV2 is that the subsequent more-recent partner, whom also had pre-existing HSV1, would also have been inoculated against another infection with HSV1 in a new place... 

I appreciate your help. Tho Im afraid I am still so confused.

[MoniqueLow]

2 minutes ago, PleaseHelp24 said:

@MoniqueLow Ive been under the strong impression that its HSV2 but that my body hasnt made any antibodies to it. Ive thought this because I figured I couldnt get HSV1 in a second location. However, tbh the encounter involved way more oral than genital, for both of us, so perhaps this should never have been too far from consideration. But another reason Ive strongly thought HSV2 is that the subsequent more-recent partner, whom also had pre-existing HSV1, would also have been inoculated against another infection with HSV1 in a new place... 

I appreciate your help. Tho Im afraid I am still so confused.

Yes, she could get it too in a new location, such as you did. Question is if you infected her orally or genitally. I bet it's type 1. 

[MoniqueLow]

How long do you have symptoms? Did you have your initial outbreak right after that encounter you suspect? Sometimes it's hard to know when and from who transmission happened.

[jingle]

What you have on your lip may or may not look like herpes, but what you have on your glans and foreskin definitely looks like herpes, so most likely gHSV1. Sorry you got it, but gHSV1 is less recurrent in most cases than gHSV2. And if you live a healthy life, and get Halford's vaccine, you may very likely never have any symptoms at all. Good luck!

[PleaseHelp24]

Thanks @jingle. Appreciate your responding and offering your insights. Its odd, Ive had Drs and experts - like a dozen of them - look at these photos and the live presentation of these symptoms and heard them say the issue looked like fungus or balanitis. But almost every time it was something they did or said that made me feel like either they didnt know what they were talking about (like the ones that kept recommending IGM tests), or were dismissive of my concerns, or in a couple cases they almost seemed scared to provide a diagnosis they knew would be devastating...

Ill appreciate any and all other comments from this helpful forum.

[elnino]

Considering your atypical symptoms like burning tailbone, malaise, sore throat, in addition to the genital symptoms, I don't see how it could be anything besides HSV2. The burning tailbone to me is a strong indicator. 

[PleaseHelp24]

Thanks @elnino. Do you agree that these look like GHSV? What do you think about the neg blood tests?

[elnino]

They don't look like "classic" GHSV, but GHSV often does not present in a classic manner. I have no explanation for the negative blood tests...but there have been many on this board that test negative repeatedly and then test positive via swab when a lesion finally appears. You may be somebody who just does not test positive; I'm not asserting that, just stating it's possible and it does happen.

[PleaseHelp24]

Thanks @elnino. 

Anyone else willing to share their impressions?

[Nick t]

Oh my god. I'm so glad I found you man!!!!! 

I literally had the same symptoms as you. The one that caught my eyes was the red dots around your penis. I've had the same exact thing after an encounter. I've had oral on a Monday night. Wednesday genital(used protection but the condom broke) then another one on Thursday. I went and got tested Friday(all my tests were neg btw, had another one done in like a month just to be sure, negative as well). Friday night(the same day I got tested) I noticed like a small swelling and few red spots. I thought it's nothing, just extra friction on my penis, some sort of small infection etc. I decided to go see a dermatologist. By Monday morning when I went to see him, I've had the exact same red dots all over my penis!!!(and I mean literally exactly the same!) I forgot what's the name the doctor told me you call them. Not blisters but something with a v, vascole or visole or something like this(which of course herpes causes!). The second he looked at my penis he told me it's herpes! The doctor is a good friend of mine , so I trust him. He prescribed me valacyclovir for 7 days(1morning and one night) and a cream(don't know the name off the top of my head, supposedly for any type of infections or irritations). I only took it 3 days because it was giving me headaches and made me feel tired. The doctor told me to stop taking them if I feel anything like that. I stopped taking them but I didn't tell him. I went in after like a week or so just to check up with him, by then my penis looked normal again! He looked, said looks way better and that was it. He said if they reoccur just finish the pills. Eventually I did becayse I've had reocurenvce. Exact same thing red dots all over my top of my penis and some redness(except when they reoccurred I didn't have the other symptoms, only the red dots.). Long story short, I can relate to this so much becayse I've also had burning sens or inflammation of tailbone!

Just FYI, after that Friday after I got tested , so about 3 days since I've had oral, enough for the herpes to show it, I've had itching , burning sensation, peed more often, nerve pain in my left thigh(felt like muscle pain), accompanied by flu-like symptoms but not very noticeable. My most noticeable was burning around my groin and itching. From time to time i had tingling or like shooting pains in my penis (like a needle type pain, also related to herpes as well). By now it's been like 3 months, I've had that encounter around end of February beginning of march. Now everything looks awesome down there! I still feel the flu-like symptoms, had watery/red eyes for a long time, but it's wherever, is attributing it to herpes. I've also had in the past week , very itchy anus and burning everytime I pooped, like a few min. After that I don't feel anything. I assumed I might of gotten herpes there as well that's why I'm having the flu like symptoms now but didn't take any meds. I wanna let my body handle it. I've never gotten teses for herpes. No point. Like I said, my doctor is a good friend of mine and he said it's no point. A lot of people have it and it might come back negative(which is your case) , waste of money & I agree with him. 

 

Sorry if anything is confusing I am on my phone. &I I confronted the girl and she denied everything. Although she might be lying , after seeing your post I think she might be saying the truth becayse the night she gave me head, next day or the next time she gave me oral she had like a cold, sore throat, so there's a good chance she had type 1, on her mouth and maybe never knew or thought it's nothing serios. Anyway I'm hoping mine is genital type one , it would also make sense too why it's longer and I feel bad, since it's my first outbreak. But I could have type 2, which is less severe but more often , whatever it is, I say f*ck it. There's worse things you could get, herpes ain't one of them bro. Keep your head up, I've been going through paranoia, deorsssion , anxiety, I've literally had stomach problems , couldn't eat becayse I kept thinking it was HIV. I kept thinking the worst of the worst. Anyway, I feel way better now after reading through these forums that so many people were going crazy like mine(and in reality it's just herpes) paranoia and deorsssion is much more worse than this!!! Stress can kill you. But not herpes  kinda crazy isn't it ? 

[PleaseHelp24]

@Nick t thanks. Although forgive me if Im not reassured.

For me, Id be fine if I contracted this and thay was that. I could get by. But I am really nervous that Ive given it to someone else without my knowledge or theirs. I dont believe Ill ever forgive myself for that.

Suppose im outta hope that anyone on here is gonna day these photos / my story dont look and sound like herpes to them. But thats what I expected. Sigh

[Nick t]

Don't stress it out. Sooner or later you would of caught it anyway. This is what meant to happen. Don't worry about giving it to someone else, the chances are small when you don't have an outbreak , even smaller for type 2 to get on mouth. If it's type one that's even smaller chance to get on genitals &a smaller chance on mouth since it has way less outbreaks. That is herpes, trust me. You said a lot of doctors didn't know what it was , well for me it took just one good doctor that knows his shit. It's herpes, don't even think about it anymore. Just focus on being healthier. 

[Nick t]

& I know what you mean. I wasn't reassured it was herpes , heck still am not since I never actually got tested for it. Had to go get tested twice for hiv, that's how crazy I was. I was really paranoid, scared, stressed out. I thought the worst of the worst. It's cool, give it some time you will feel better. My doctor told me straight up, dude you're going crazy. Chill the fuck out and move on. I did for a while then went back to stressing and anxiety. It's normal. For me it was a big hit since I was always clean and healthy. I'm 20 years old.  

[cantdoit]

On 5/6/2017 at 11:26 AM, PleaseHelp24 said:

Thanks @elnino. 

Anyone else willing to share their impressions?

Go to Terri Warren's website and ask her. Three questions are twenty dollars. She is herpes expert. She is also a big believer in the western blot. She will help you.