Mark5

I'll try to keep this short and get to the immediate questions about my derm. I have had two blood tests fror Herpes in the last two years and both have come back negatative. Real negative. I was exposed to Herpes two years ago and that is why I got tested.

On Monday I had an outbreak on my face. At first I thought it was acne because it was not on my lips but more in around my mouth where I have to shave. The bumps acted like pimples and become red and swollen. When pushed they produced normal weeping consistant with pimples. Some of the discharge (pus) is has a yellow tint and the oil that weeps has a little yellow tint to it. Later in the day I start to wonder if this is a primary HSV1 outbreak. I start taking Valtrex that night and keep cleaning the area and trying to get all pus and oil removed with cleaning and Oxy 10.

By this morning things are a bit better but my skin kills from the acne. The pimples seem persistant. I don't get any new ones but after popping one some more pus will form a couple hours later. Not a lot, just a pin head.

Anyway, my derm fits me in this afternoon and takes one look and says Herpes. My derm is 62 and I only see him for this. He doesn't even get more than two feet from my face. It's not THAT bad based upon pictures I see on the internet. Anyway, he doesn't culture anything, swab anything, nothing. He just prescribes 1000MG Valtrex 3 times a day for 7 days. That seems unusual to me.

Then I say, well, what about creams. I hear about people putting creams on when the feel a tingle and hey have great success. He says they are worthless and don't work. Then I say I have had two blood tests in the last two years and both are negative. He says even LabOne, who they use, doesn't have a clue.

First, doesn't it seem odd that he didn't do anything? Maybe I should switch?

Second, if this is an outbreak, does it come back in the same spots later? I have it worse on the left side than right.

My derm did question the line being here I shave. Could it be fungus? I don't share razors. It feels like he treats everything with Valtrex to see if he can rule out Herpes.

Thoughts from those with HSV1 orally. Thanks so much. This is a great place for support.