Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have had inflamed red skin on the shaft of my penis for about six weeks after having intercourse with a condom. I tested negative for HSV on a blood test after three weeks and again after six weeks. The telemedicine doctor stated it did not seem like herpes but prescribed me antiviral drugs to use for seven days. The problem is still there after six weeks.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have gone through the photos and details (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). The lesions in the accompanying photo are unlikely to be caused by the herpes simplex virus. It might occur as a result of irritation, friction, dryness, or fungal infections. Warm water should be used to clean the region twice a day. Avoid over-cleaning the area. Use gentle cleaners. If it does not go away, see your doctor for additional evaluation and treatment. Clotrimazole and other antifungal creams may be used. HSV1 (herpes simplex virus) and IgG (immunoglobulin G) are present. It might be the result of a previous infection and could be located near the mouth.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have been using Clotrimazole cream for three days, and it was starting to feel better, but today it felt a bit worse. Is this typical of fungal infections? Would herpes antibodies be detected in a finger prick test after six weeks of treatment, and would I still be suffering symptoms?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
For a few days, keep using the antifungal cream. Observe the progress. Consult your doctor if it does not improve. In your case, the HSV1 IgM and HSV2 IgM tests were not performed. Though the test is not precise, it can detect recent illnesses. IgG antibodies are indicative of previous infections. Did you have any past HSV1 infections? It commonly happens near the mouth. It can, however, arise elsewhere, including the vaginal region. The IgG positivity is thus due to those lesions. You might have HSV-1 IgM and IgG antibodies next time. In a reputable laboratory, as well as HSV-1 IgM and IgG antibodies.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor.
I have never had a cold sore. However, I did experience tingling around a year ago and never had an eruption. Even with antiviral treatment, six weeks seems like a long time to endure these symptoms.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Herpes is unlikely to be the cause of the connected lesion. The HSV-positive findings might be the consequence of an earlier tingling sensation, incorrect results, or an asymptomatic infection. In any case, you can get HSV1 and 2 IgG and IgM antibody testing done in a reputable laboratory.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor.
Is the fast herpes finger prick test accurate? It is far less expensive and simpler than the regular test.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Regular HSV 1 and 2 antibody testing performed in reputable laboratories provides false-positive or false-negative findings. As a result, quick testing may produce somewhat more erroneous findings than laboratory tests. It might be used as a preliminary test. However, if in doubt, it is preferable to have these tests performed at a reputable laboratory.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
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Dermatology
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