Spreading the virus??? Please help with your opinions.

[mpickett674]

Hi,

I have been diagnosed with herpes for about 6 months. Before I knew I had it I had a horrible rash on my right pointer finger. I went to the dermatologist 4-5x he could not give me an explanation of what it was. It looked like little bumps filled with liquid. Dumb me, i tried to pop them with a needle. No liquid came out. (this was before going to the dermatologist) He finally just labeled it bacteria something or another. Now that I think about it I believe it is herpes. This has been horrible for me because I am a part time hair dresser. I have been wearing finger gloves and it is really uncomortable and I am tired of giving an excuse as to why I am wearing it.

Anyway, my close fried has been a nurse practioner specializing in women's health for the last 10 years. She told me that she really doubts that this is herpes. She said basically that it isn't she's 99% sure that it is not. I just want to know. But, since that outbreak I havent had another so I can not have it tested? What do you think?

Do you think it could be passed on (if it is on a finger) by computer or touching. Any time my toddler touches my finger I run and wash his hands with soap and water. I am so afraid.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

[TheOneInFour]

Sorry to hear you're having this happen, regardless of what it is. I hate to say this, but from the way you describe it, it's possible it is herpes. I wouldn't rule it out just yet. Having herpes on the hands is called a "herpetic whitlow." It's not as common but definitely not unheard of.

Did you have any other symptoms when/before you had the sores? Like tingling, itching, swelling, etc.? I ask because if you are aware of when it's coming on, you will stand a better chance of not passing it on (assuming it's contagious, herpes or not).

If you get any other sores on your hands (same or different place), I'd suggest you get to a doctor immediately to get a swab culture done on it. Unfortunately, if you already know you have herpes elsewhere, a blood test won't tell you anything you don't already know.

As far as your job is concerned, maybe you could tell people you're wearing gloves because you've been getting a skin reaction to the chemicals (rash, whatever). It's a believable reason, and until you know for sure what it is, for all you know that could be the truth.

I'm not sure what to say about your child, other than suggesting you try not to convey the generalised message that touching is bad or dangerous. It might help you to remember two things, to put it all into perspective: (1) Most of the population (50-80%) has HSV-1, which they catch in early childhood from relatives and friends, and (2) Herpes cannot penetrate skin unless there's a break in it somehow (cut, scratch, abrasion, etc.), so simple contact won't give it to him on its own.

Good luck! Keep us posted how you make out with this and if you ever manage to get it diagnosed.

TheOneInFour