i was diagnosed with hsv-1 almost three months ago, which wasn't good at all and came as a massive shock- esp b/c i had only had sex with the one person and at the time knew very little about type 1 genitally.

I haven't had a real OB since, but have noticed recently funny tears/creases in the skin. They don't look anything like my original outbreak- which looked more like ulcers.

I went to the doc, who said it wasn't an OB, but didnt take a swab.. I'm not completely convinced, as the area feels a little bit itchy at times

i am wondering if anyone has any suggestions? could this be an OB and if i was to have sex with someone at the moment, would I be more contagious than at other times?

What you are describing could be the start of an outbreak but it really does not matter either way. Since you can spread the disease during an outbreak or not, you should be on repressive therapy and using proper protection during every sexual contact.

I dont think you should necessarily be on repressive therapy... It's not for everyone. For people with hsv1 genitally, I think it is common for the reoccuring outbreaks to be completely different from the initial. And based on what I've learned about it, a second outbreak most definately could appear as little papercuts.... or even just as a itchy spot. Little cuts often itch anyway. Not all outbreaks look the same, and many doctors have only seen pictures of the worst ones, in a textbook.

Don't upset by it. It is most contagious during active outbreaks, but are often spread through viral shedding when there are no recognizable symptoms. According to Spruance, people with recurrent oral HSV-1 shed virus in their saliva about 5% of the time even when they show no symptoms. In the first year of infection, people with genital HSV-2 shed virus from the genital area about 6-10% of days when they show no symptoms, and less often over time. (Both of these figures reflect shedding as detected by viral culture.)

Please be positive! All of us should active and may jion some support community to meet more information to enjoy our life. some friends recommend www.positivesingles.com is a all-inclusive positive Dating Community. Maybe we can check it out and see if it works.

I have had a small outbreak since my last msg.. so small that its not uncomfortable, but there was a small sore...

the thing is, i feel as though i have been suffering from atleast a little bit of discomfort for the entire time since i was diagnosed.. i don't know if its my mind playing tricks, or if it is genuine.

I guess, having hsv-1 led me to believe that i wouldn't have many outbreaks at all, as that has been the general message i have taken from everyone on this board and other websites..

can anyone tell me, are the first three or six months worse than as time progresses with hsv-1?? or should i expect to have outbreaks every 3 months.. it just doesn't seem to match anything i have read..

most of the population has been exposed to the hsv1 virus almost 70 percent
most of the time it happens when kids are in grade school like chicken pox ( whic is another form of a herpes voster)

hsv1 they say is usually not active if you havent had any coldsores, you have just been exposed. however if you expirenced cold sores then they say about 5% of the time it will be in your saliva.
HSV2 if you had no symptoms, they say it generally doesnt show up in saliva by viral culture in lab studies and it is found in the boxer short area of the body but keep in mind hsv1 can be there as well
this virus is a pesky and tricky little devil.
my doctor told me if you have never had a herpes outbreak or fever blister on your lips then theres no need to tell a sexual partner. but hsv2 its up to you to tell.

i was stunned by what he had said but i trust my doctor and i even went to get a second opinion and he told me the same thing
and said suppressive therapy works for those who get frequent outbreaks then those who dont and just said keep l-lysine in your diet and stay away from peanut butter and chocolate.

hope that helps

my doctor told me if you have never had a herpes outbreak or fever blister on your lips then theres no need to tell a sexual partner. but hsv2 its up to you to tell.


hi, from saying this.. are u indicating that if i have hsv-1 genitally and not orally, your doc was saying there is no need to tell a sexual partner... or have i misinterpreted?