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What Causes Pimples In The Genital Area When Diagnosed With Herpes Infection?
Question: In 2008, hrough visual observation of some small pimple like symptoms in the genital area, I was diagnosed with herpes. After 8 weeks i was tested at Quest Diagnostics (IGg Select Test) and the results came back negative. On my own, over the years, I have continued to get tested with the same negative results. I have probably been IGg tested 6-8 times since then, all results coming back negative. Is this test accurate and could I have been misdiagnosed? I do have mild recurring symptoms like described a few times per year. I currently have pictures I can provide and will get tested again today as I often do because I just want to know definitively. Can you provide guidance?
Brief Answer:
I suggest to take a culture test from these pimples.
Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.
Related your concern you should know that when you get herpes, your immune system responds by developing antibodies to fight the virus (IgG and IgM) that a blood test can look for and detect these antibodies.
Usually IgG appears soon after infection and stays in the blood for life. But it is recommended to wait 12 – 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure to get an accurate result in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels.
So, in your case testing over the years I think is enough time to detect these antibodies.
You should know as well that a viral culture and DNA tests can be done if you are experiencing symptoms.
Furthermore if you have again symptoms , I suggest to take a culture test (a swab from the symptom) within the first 48 hours after a lesion appears to define better the diagnosis.
Please could you send me an attached picture to define better.
I hope my answer helps you.
Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.
I suggest to take a culture test from these pimples.
Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.
Related your concern you should know that when you get herpes, your immune system responds by developing antibodies to fight the virus (IgG and IgM) that a blood test can look for and detect these antibodies.
Usually IgG appears soon after infection and stays in the blood for life. But it is recommended to wait 12 – 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure to get an accurate result in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels.
So, in your case testing over the years I think is enough time to detect these antibodies.
You should know as well that a viral culture and DNA tests can be done if you are experiencing symptoms.
Furthermore if you have again symptoms , I suggest to take a culture test (a swab from the symptom) within the first 48 hours after a lesion appears to define better the diagnosis.
Please could you send me an attached picture to define better.
I hope my answer helps you.
Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I just uploaded pictures. I have tried to find a DNA test or a location in Massachusetts that does that type of testing. Can you direct me?
Brief Answer:
You should do HSV DNA test.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!Thank you writing back in healthcaremagic.
I have seen carefully your picture and I suggest to do DNA test to exclude definitely HSV as well a bacterial culture from these elements.
You should know that viral culture is even less accurate during recurrences and strongly will suggest you to take a swab of an area that has symptoms to do a DNA tests (NAAT) because these newer tests are fast, very accurate and can tell if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Maybe you should ask and see in the internet the LabCorp for further information about the HSV DNA test in your location.
I hope my answer helps you.
Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.
You should do HSV DNA test.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!Thank you writing back in healthcaremagic.
I have seen carefully your picture and I suggest to do DNA test to exclude definitely HSV as well a bacterial culture from these elements.
You should know that viral culture is even less accurate during recurrences and strongly will suggest you to take a swab of an area that has symptoms to do a DNA tests (NAAT) because these newer tests are fast, very accurate and can tell if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Maybe you should ask and see in the internet the LabCorp for further information about the HSV DNA test in your location.
I hope my answer helps you.
Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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