Can a rash after unprotected anal sex be due to genital herpes?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I had unprotected anal sex a week and a half ago. The night after that, I developed a high temperature that reached 39.5 Celcius. Right after that, a body rash showed mainly on my forehead, chest, and upper arms. During that time I saw two red small spots (bumps) on my anal area. And with time the number of them increased and they developed into ulcers. I am worried it is genital herpes. But I made a consultation with a dermatologist here on icliniq, and she said it is chancroid and prescribed systemic antibiotics, and ointment. But I am still worried is it anal or genital herpes. Is it herpes? And will it show on my blood tests if I made it? Because the infection is as early as a week and a half ago. These ulcers are not painful but I cannot say if it is a really painful or just uncomfortable feeling. Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your problem and situation.
It is more like herpes genitalis, as in chancroid, there would be a single painful lesion. Atypical presentations are common in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected individuals. You can get an HSV (herpes simplex virus) antibody test two weeks after exposure to prevent false negatives.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Regards.
Investigations to be done
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the response.
Can you prescribe me an antiviral medicine and an ointment or cream that will help me reduce the symptoms? Should I take the antibiotics that I was prescribed? Or only stick with the antivirals you will give me? I know that HSV stays in the body for the rest of my life. How can I prevent it from passing to others? Is there any life-long treatment? Or any procedure must be followed?
Thank you
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Please take the following medication:
1. Tablet Acyclovir 400 mg thrice daily for five days.
2. T Bact cream (Mupirocin) for local application twice daily for two weeks.
HSV (herpes simplex virus) can only be transferred 99 percent if you have active skin lesions during intercourse. In a disease-free period, there is less chance of transmission if there are no erosions and others. Normally, episodic treatment is enough for this. Suppressive therapy is given when you have greater than eight outbreaks per year.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Regards.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Can protected anal sex still lead to HIV?
What are the chances of developing Lyme disease from an infective deer tick bite?
Does genital herpes cause itchy lesions?
Can anal sex lead to peritonitis in homosexuals?
What causes testicle pain after unprotected sex?
Can genital herpes spread through a kiss?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.