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Suggest Treatment For White Coating On The Tongue And Swollen Taste Buds

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Posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Question: I was tested positive for HSV12 days before. but I assume I had the outbreak a month before with noticing a white coating of my tongue which is still there, irritated tongue tissues, swollen taste buds and ulceration of the side of the tongue and read irritated lining over my throat. However, I have had no pain. Is it possible that outbreak starts like what happened in my mouth. Also I have an itchy scalp today and noticed a red rash on my scalp which is tender when touched. Is this typical of HSV1 on scalp? My doctor could not answer this question for me. Thank you very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Non specific symptoms of HSV

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

There are two types of Herpes simplex virus, HSV1 and HSV2, the former called oral herpes with oral blisters, cold sores and latter genital herpes. The HSV1 is present in most of us. Infection with HSV-1 can happen from general interactions such as eating from the same utensils, sharing lip balm, or kissing.

HSV2 is present in for sexually active people. Most of us do not exhibit symptoms but when blood is tested majority will be positive for HSV. So let me know if your blood was tested? If yes, was it IgM antibodies or IgG antibodies, the former says recent infection whereas the latter says a past infection.
The symptoms you expressed here may be or may not be related herpes simplex. They are not specific for HSV. blisters or sores, burned urination are specific.

It is possible that the virus is residing in your nerve cells for very long time and get expressed now with sore throat, sores. However coated tongue, swollen buds are not very clear about the outbreak, similarly the itchy scalp is not very typical. However face, scalp are common areas of infection of HSV1.

I suggest you a physical examination by a Dermatologist in particular.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (5 hours later)
My blood was tested fourth generation IGg for both HSV1 and HSV2. The result came back as positive 24.80 for HSV1 and negative for HSV2. I don't know how much this test can differentiate between the two. Also, does it mean the infection is from much time because i do not remeber any symptoms. I only had one wart or blister (could not differentiate) one month before on my scrotum which was there for a week and after then I felt like it opening. It was itchy but not painful. I squeezed it and after some fluid came out by force, it got healed. I wonder if it is HSV1 or HSV2 on the scrotum or whether it was not HSV at all and something else.
Should I be convinced from this result that I have only HSV1 and not HSV2. I have had no sexual exposure for more than a month now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Positive for HSV1 only

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

So the blister or wart like thing could be the first symptom where you had primary infection with HSV1. We can only confirm by testing the fluid that came out of it. But yes you now have hSV1 for sure on the basis of the blood test.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (22 hours later)
Transaction ID: hcmg765179
Thank you for your help Dr. I have another confusion. The tester told me that while your HSV2 result is negative and your HSV1 positive, It does not mean you do not have HSV2, you may have both. The culture sample should be tested. My test was fourth generation IGg HSV1 and 2 with typing. Can I trust the accuracy of my test? Or I should agree with the tester. How can such a sensitive test like IGg fourth generation be wrong? I am relieved by the way to learn that HSV1 is not an STD and that is the very common cold sore which almost everyone gets (I don't know if you may agree). Thanks alot.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
My experience

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

My experience is that if a person has HSV1 positive we did not test for HSV2 because both of them are equal and the treatment goes the same. There is no point in going round what is specific. I cannot answer the question about specificity and 4G testing as only microbiologist will know about them and its technology. We do not mean to classify them clinically as both needs the same precautions, treatment and protective measures.

HSV1 can transmit through sex and it should also be considered as STD. That is a misnomer that HSV2 is the only STD of the two. HSV1 can be present on genitals as well.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2242 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For White Coating On The Tongue And Swollen Taste Buds

Brief Answer: Non specific symptoms of HSV Detailed Answer: Hi, There are two types of Herpes simplex virus, HSV1 and HSV2, the former called oral herpes with oral blisters, cold sores and latter genital herpes. The HSV1 is present in most of us. Infection with HSV-1 can happen from general interactions such as eating from the same utensils, sharing lip balm, or kissing. HSV2 is present in for sexually active people. Most of us do not exhibit symptoms but when blood is tested majority will be positive for HSV. So let me know if your blood was tested? If yes, was it IgM antibodies or IgG antibodies, the former says recent infection whereas the latter says a past infection. The symptoms you expressed here may be or may not be related herpes simplex. They are not specific for HSV. blisters or sores, burned urination are specific. It is possible that the virus is residing in your nerve cells for very long time and get expressed now with sore throat, sores. However coated tongue, swollen buds are not very clear about the outbreak, similarly the itchy scalp is not very typical. However face, scalp are common areas of infection of HSV1. I suggest you a physical examination by a Dermatologist in particular.