Newly Diagnosed HSV2 on Face

[RegalEagle]

I was diagnosed with a positive swap test for HSV2  to a chin lesion in the past week.   I previously had an outbreak in October of 2017 on my chin that went undiagnosed.   The dermatologist thought it was a staph infection that tested negative due to my already starting antibiotics from my GP.   The reoccurrence last week tested positive for HSV2.

I have never had a cold sore on my mouth or any outbreaks on my genitals so needless to say this was not the diagnosis I was expecting.   

I’ve been deep in online research over the past few days and It seems HSV2 on the face is not common but can happen.   Should I be concerned with future outbreaks coming in other places (genital and elsewhere) or should I anticipate that any future outbreaks would reappear in the same chin area?   

[WilsoInAus]

It is not common, but does happen.

It is important to get a hold of the test that you had. Was it PCR or culture? If culture, was the imunofluoresence test applied?

Are you from a high risk African or South American demographic?

[RegalEagle]

It was a swap culture test.   The derm thought this was a recurrent staph infection (putting me on strong antibiotics immediately) but the bacterial test came back negative and the viral test came back On Friday positive for hsv2.   

I can request a copy of the culture test from my dermatologist.  What should I be on the look out for?

Im still in shock at the result given I’ve never had an outbreak previously with an oral or Genital lesion.   Only this random chin outbreak twice now.   

[WilsoInAus]

I’d get the test and check it was typed properly. You need to see the result of an immunifluoresence assay test.

[RegalEagle]

16 hours ago, WilsoInAus said:

I’d get the test and check it was typed properly. You need to see the result of an immunifluoresence assay test.

Thanks I’m requesting the test results from my dermatologist.

 

[WilsoInAus]

Thats great, note that a culture test cannot determine type on its own, it takes a subsequent test.

[RegalEagle]

Just got the results sent and the only info is as follows:

Test Type:  Culture, Wound, Superficial

Result:  Growth of skin flora (Note: Growth does not include S.aureus, Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci or P.aeruginosa).

Test Type:  Culture, Viral, FLD, Tissue

Result:  Herpes Simplex virus type 2

 

 

[WilsoInAus]

The test you mention does not type for HSV. Unless there is an immunofluoresence in addition, then the sample is not typed and HSV-2 is an assumption.

Please speak to your doctor as I don’t see that HSV-1 has been eliminated. It may be that a blood test will help here if the typing has not been done.

[RegalEagle]

I had the blood test this week and the results confirmed the HSV-2 diagnosis.   Unsure if there's any meaning in the number values, but i'm listing them below.   I discussed beginning suppressive therapy with my doctor as my outbreak location is strangely on my chin, making my daily life awkward to say the least.

 

HSV II Glycoprotein G Ab, IgG 15.50 

Herpes Simplex I/II IgM 2.3 

[IcantThinkofaName]

On 6/10/2018 at 7:59 PM, RegalEagle said:

I was diagnosed with a positive swap test for HSV2  to a chin lesion in the past week.   I previously had an outbreak in October of 2017 on my chin that went undiagnosed.  

So sorry.

Do you know when/how/who  you got it from? From Kissing or from oral genital sex?

[RegalEagle]

2 hours ago, IcantThinkofaName said:

So sorry.

Do you know when/how/who  you got it from? From Kissing or from oral genital sex?

Really unsure.   It’s my understanding that I could have had this for many years and never shown  symptoms so I’ll probably never know.

[WilsoInAus]

5 hours ago, RegalEagle said:

I had the blood test this week and the results confirmed the HSV-2 diagnosis.   Unsure if there's any meaning in the number values, but i'm listing them below.   I discussed beginning suppressive therapy with my doctor as my outbreak location is strangely on my chin, making my daily life awkward to say the least.

 

HSV II Glycoprotein G Ab, IgG 15.50 

Herpes Simplex I/II IgM 2.3 

I take it the reference range for a positive is >1.1?

Did you have HSV-1 testing as well?

[RegalEagle]

48 minutes ago, WilsoInAus said:

I take it the reference range for a positive is >1.1?

Did you have HSV-1 testing as well?

Yes positive is >1.09.  

Hsv1 tested negative at <0.1.

[Terrell]

It clear you have hsv2 in the oral location. Please listen to your professional doctors don’t that advice from spectators. I’ve been there done that. The situation is sideliners don’t won’t to except that the virus can set up shop indiscriminately therefore accept your diagnosis and process from there. 

[RegalEagle]

10 hours ago, Terrell said:

It clear you have hsv2 in the oral location. Please listen to your professional doctors don’t that advice from spectators. I’ve been there done that. The situation is sideliners don’t won’t to except that the virus can set up shop indiscriminately therefore accept your diagnosis and process from there. 

Yes I've already processed and moved on to dealing with it.    I persuaded my doctor to start me on suppressive therapy w/ Valtrex.   She initially wanted to take a "wait and see" approach to future outbreaks, but given intensity of the first two outbreaks combined with the location on my face, she felt comfortable with prescribing it now.   

[Terrell]

9 hours ago, RegalEagle said:

Yes I've already processed and moved on to dealing with it.    I persuaded my doctor to start me on suppressive therapy w/ Valtrex.   She initially wanted to take a "wait and see" approach to future outbreaks, but given intensity of the first two outbreaks combined with the location on my face, she felt comfortable with prescribing it now.   

That’s elevating 

[Quest]

HSV2 is very out of place on the face. Don't be shocked if it never comes back after 4 months. That is why she wanted to wait on antivirals. https://westoverheights.com/forum/question/oral-hsv-2-terri-please/

[WilsoInAus]

23 hours ago, Terrell said:

It clear you have hsv2 in the oral location. Please listen to your professional doctors don’t that advice from spectators. I’ve been there done that. The situation is sideliners don’t won’t to except that the virus can set up shop indiscriminately therefore accept your diagnosis and process from there. 

Hang on show some compassion man, this is totally rich coming from someone never diagnosed with herpes. Please look through your own inability to accept issues and help other. Lift man, lift for the sake of God!

This thread has nothing to do with acceptance, it’s about truth. It was absolutely critical to ascertain that a dual HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection doesn’t exist.

The swab was not properly typed, that leaves open the possibility that HSV-1 is presently orally and HSV-2 genitally. It is a 50/50 call as to whether just oral HSV-2 exists orally versus a dual infection without further data. 

That’s just a fact, nothing to get worked up about and carry on like a pork chop!

[RegalEagle]

10 hours ago, Quest said:

HSV2 is very out of place on the face. Don't be shocked if it never comes back after 4 months. That is why she wanted to wait on antivirals. https://westoverheights.com/forum/question/oral-hsv-2-terri-please/

Thanks for the link.   My doctor did state that any future outbreaks should be less intense, but these first two were large, at least the size of a quarter.  My job requires public speaking and working for additional 3 week periods with a bandaid covering my entire chin is not something I want to avoid if at all possible.

Is there any common experience regarding what may happen if I stop the Valtrex later (say in a year or so)?   Meaning are outbreaks less/more likely in the future if I stop Valtrex after a period of time.

[Quest]

Take your valtrex and build up your immune system in the meantime. If you have funds I would get a complete blood panel for a weak immune system! Do not forget hormones that affect immunity like DHEA especially if you are over 30 yrs of age. Don't take DHEA for the heck of it

[LovedAnyway]

I have Ohsv2 in my nose and mouth. Unfortunately, Acyclovir has not prevented recurrences, but it does absolutely reduce the severity and duration. I have breakouts monthly, for the last year and a half. Was diagnosed four years ago after three bouts or viral meningitis and started on antivirals.  I also have ghsv2 (for 20 years)but no outbreaks.  I am going through menopause and feel that’s why I am having such frequent outbreaks.  

[WilsoInAus]

Please note that the mouth and nose lesions are unlikely to be HSV-2 but HSV-1 or another condition.

it may be possible that you just have an oral HSV-2 infection in which case it would be time to look into immune deficiency issues.

Edited July 17, 2018 by WilsoInAus

[Quest]

1 hour ago, LovedAnyway said:

I have Ohsv2 in my nose and mouth. Unfortunately, Acyclovir has not prevented recurrences, but it does absolutely reduce the severity and duration. I have breakouts monthly, for the last year and a half. Was diagnosed four years ago after three bouts or viral meningitis and started on antivirals.  I also have ghsv2 (for 20 years)but no outbreaks.  I am going through menopause and feel that’s why I am having such frequent outbreaks.  

You taught me a lot today, 

[IcantThinkofaName]

@RegalEagle

were you ever a wrestler?

or perhaps you cut yourself shaving and thats how you contracted it on your chin (after oral sex)?

keep us updated on your OBs, I hope they become less frequent for you...(down to never again actually)...after this first year.

[Terrell]

On 7/16/2018 at 2:55 PM, RegalEagle said:

Yes I've already processed and moved on to dealing with it.    I persuaded my doctor to start me on suppressive therapy w/ Valtrex.   She initially wanted to take a "wait and see" approach to future outbreaks, but given intensity of the first two outbreaks combined with the location on my face, she felt comfortable with prescribing it now.   

That’s elevating 

 

On 7/17/2018 at 12:55 AM, Terrell said:

That’s elevating 

So proud of you life goes on bro, head up dreams still present I’m here for positive support. Also overlook and negative vibes or ignorance on here smile