Transmission Question - Herpes Message Board

TickledPeenk · 03-27-2003, 10:48 PM

An area near my labia was kinda sore, so I took a look at it and saw that it is a small cut. It doesn't itch or have any of the symptoms that I had during my OB, so I know that it isn't the beginning of one, but just a small break in the skin.
My question is this- I know that you are contagious during OBs, or when the virus is shedding. But can you transmit herpes when you have a cut in your skin? I know, in all likelihood, I could be shedding the virus right now without knowing it, but are you shedding every time you have a break in the skin?

TheOneInFour · 03-28-2003, 08:33 AM

Hey TP,

The break in the skin is something to watch for when you want to avoid contracting herpes there, but is not an issue when you want to avoid passing it on. That is to say, an OB can often manifest as a break in the skin which would shed the virus, but not every break in the skin is an OB and therefore won't necessarily shed the virus.

When you're shedding it's because the virus is active in your system and has found its way to the skin surface, but it tends to go to a previous OB site, not the nearest break in the skin. So unless you suspect the break or cut to be part of the symptoms of an OB, it's probably just another cut in the skin.

If the cut is at a previous OB site, you might want to be cautious though, since the stress at the skin level might reactivate the virus and weakened skin that produces a spontaneous break might indicate a minor OB happening. I'm guessing on that but if it was me, I'd be cautious.

And actually, the more I think about what you describe, the more I wonder if it really might be an OB, just with slightly different symptoms. My main OB site is the top of the buttocks and produces classic blisters, but I also get strange little cut-like symptoms around my labia and anal area sometimes that I believe are OBs. So unless you have another reason to suspect that it's "just a cut" (like recent activity there that could have torn the skin), you might want to treat it like it was an OB. If in doubt and it comes back, you could get a swab done on a fresh one to find out.

Another thought: You might be confusing the "rules" about herpes with those of HIV, which is common. If you're with someone you're not sure about HIV-wise and they have a break in the skin, then you would need to be cautious about that since the break in the skin could leak blood which would expose you to HIV if they have it. And with both HIV and HSV, a break in your skin would provide an entry point for the virus which could lead to you contracting it.

I hope that makes sense.

1in4

[This message has been edited by TheOneInFour (edited 03-28-2003).]

bubble747 · 03-28-2003, 12:14 PM

Hi TickledPeenk,

I think you had responded to one of my posts at another site. I guess it's my turn to try to help you out now.

I tested positive for HSV1 via blood test. To date, I still do not have a CONFIRMED diagnosis from any of the physicians that my genital symtoms are due to my HSV1 status. (well, the dermatologist who ordered the blood test for me told me that I have herpes based soley on the result of my blood test. But, he didn't even examine me down there! So, I don't really think that counts as CONFIRMED diagnosis for now) Although the longer I live with my genital symptoms, the more convinced I am that I have HSV1 genitally.

Anyway, the small cut you mentioned. I've gotten those. That's what prompted me to find out if I have herpes. Besides general itchiness usually triggered by sex (oral or intercourse), those tiny cuts are the symptoms that I get. I don't get blisters. The cuts I have is very tiny like paper cut. Most of the time, I can not even see them. Sometimes, they can cause some soreness or itchiness. Other times, I don't really feel them unless in the shower when I apply soap and they sting.

There was one time that I actually saw a straight slit/fissure (just like paper cut) on the outter side of my labia. The strangest thing is they can appear one day and disappear the next. Very spontaneous. It's like it heals faster than a real paper cut on my finger.

I am beginning to believe that those could be my OB's. I refrain from sex when I have those cuts. You should be cautious when you get a cut like that again especially when you think it's not torn skin as a result of rigorous sex. Take care!

TickledPeenk · 03-29-2003, 05:13 PM

Thanks for the replies! I'm pretty sure it was caused some other way, and isn't an OB. I did get a lesion in the spot that it is, but on the other side. There is only one of them, and it only itches after there is friction, and not all the time like my primary OB had.
My partner is HSV and HIV free, was a virgin before me. We're both not *too* concerned about him getting it, but I still want to do whatever I can so he won't get it.
But we haven't had sex since then, and if we do, then I'll suggest we use our condoms, just in case. I know there's still a possibility, but it's better than nothing.
In other news, I made an appointment to see my doc to discuss supressive therapy and do a blood test to confirm that I do, in fact, have type 1. I'm also seeing him to try to figure out why my periods are abnormal. They're very light and very short (as in 24 hours long) and kind of discolored (Sorry for being graphic) I'm not pregnant, so I'm confused as to what else it could be. Could it be HSV or something else? Has anyone had it happen to them?

TheOneInFour · 03-29-2003, 11:52 PM

I can't think of any reason why HSV would alter your periods like that, but I'm not a health professional. I'd definitely get checked by a gyno if I were you, though. If your hormones are going wonky, it could affect your periods as well as your OB patterns. Good luck! Let us know how you make out.

1in4