Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sores

Do I have herpes or what?

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:09:12 -0800

I know you are not my doctor, but... I have had three outbreaks of something in the last four years, which could be herpes, but so far all the tests say it's not. Any other ideas what I might have? Much much Four years ago, I noticed some discomfort in my vaginal area. It felt dry and a little painful. I thought maybe my boyfriend had cut me with a rough fingernail or something, and didn't really think much of it. A couple days later, I realized I'd developed some small white sores on my labia. They looked like ulcers you might get in your mouth. On each side, there seemed to be one main one and then a scattering of smaller ones around it. At this point I realized it was more than just a cut, and went to the gyno right away, taking an appointment with a guy who was not my regular doctor. The doctor took one look and said it was definitely herpes, sent a swab test off to the lab, and gave me prescriptions for Valtrex and some ointment.

I broke the news to my boyfriend who was so good and supportive about it. He was the only person I'd been with in the last three years, though I'd had three partners before him. He went to his own doctor for a blood test, even though he'd never had any symptoms of herpes. A couple days later I called in for the results of the culture they'd taken, and... it was negative for herpes?! My boyfriend's results were also negative.

A year or so later, I got the same discomfort and sores again. Once again I went to the gyno, seeing my regular doctor this time. She took a look and said it didn't look like herpes at all, and she didn't know why the first doctor had said that. She took another swab culture, which again came back negative.

Just to make double-sure, I got a blood test a few months later after my regular check-up, which also was negative for herpes. So nobody could tell me what I have, but it's not herpes, and I went on with my life.

Last week my husband (same guy - we've since gotten married) and I both came down with the flu. About two days into being sick, I noticed that same feeling I had with previous outbreaks of whatever I have. This time there is one main sore on the right side of my labia, and a smaller one directly opposite it on the left side. The second day was the worst, and they've been improving every day since then and are now almost gone.

Ever since my first (mis)diagnosis, I have read and learned a lot about herpes. From what I've read, there's arguments for and against whatever I have being herpes:

FOR:
- I could have it without transmitting it to my (now) husband, because it's easier for women to contract.
- This last outbreak occurred during a time my immune system was weakened.

AGAINST:
- Sores don't look like herpes, from the photos I've seen and what my doctor said.
- It doesn't hurt to urinate - in fact, it's sort of a relief, because mostly what I feel is dryness.
- The first outbreak is supposed to be the worst and occur shortly after first contracting the virus, but my "first outbreak" was years after being with any guy who could've given it to me.
- Sores clear up in about a week - regardless of whether I use any medication or not. They don't crust or scab over, they just sort of close up.

Could what I have be herpes, even though it doesn't really look or act like herpes, and three tests have come back negative? If it's not, what could it be? My personal theory is that it's some sort of irritation (from detergent, clothing, or even latex condoms?), which leads to dryness, and then the dry labia rubbing against each other irritate each other, causing the sores, which is why they always seem to mirror each other on each side of my labia. Does this sound plausable? Any other theories? Thanks...

What's the deal with these sores on my lips?

anazgnos — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:54:39 -0800

What's the deal with these sores on my lips? I've got these little sores/breakages in the mucous membrane on the surface of the tissue right inside the mouth, just on the inside of the lips. They're very minor, but persistent. I think I can rule out herpes, and they're nothing like canker sores, just the very topmost surface tissue is broken and kind of ragged. No bleeding to speak of. It's been ongoing about 5 days, and I've tried adjusting a few things (dietary/behavioural), but they still seem to be happening afresh. There's a small irritated patch on my lower lip, but the upper is worse - it started out in the middle, and has been spreading outward. It seems like it starts out as a sort of generalised blistering, to the tissue/membrane visibly being broken, to the area ending up sort of red and puffy. The middle of my upper lip is in the latter phase while there is some newish blistering toward the outer edge.

I wouldn't describe them even as painful so much as irritated. They don't bother me when eating or drinking particularly. It's just the persistence which concerns me.

I've been applying Hydrogen Peroxide with a q-tip for the past two mornings, and drinking a lot of water, which seems to soothe the irritation a bit.

Is this something specific that anyone recognizes? Something viral/bacterial I should see a doctor about? Are there foods/drinks I should definitely be avoiding, or anything I should be taking to promote mouth healing?

Tiny Tongue Sores

crapples — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 20:05:19 -0800

Every once in a while I get these very very small white-ish sores on my tongue. They hurt like crazy - especially if I eat sugars or citruses. What are these things and what can I do to get rid of them? PS: I read the post about canker sores - if that's what this is then I'll just go with the advice from that post; however, this seems to be different. The things I'm talking about are very small bumps, white-ish, on the side or tip of the tongue. They pop up every few months and last for 4-5 days.

Please educate me about cold sores

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 18:39:50 -0800

This thread about cold sores has prompted me to ask some long-standing questions about them. My girlfriend has had cold sores (2-3 episodes per year) since she was a toddler. I've never had cold sores. Since we've been together she's had a couple, and when she does get one we are careful not to kiss and so far that's been successful. Barring any further knowledge, this strategy of avoidance during her outbreaks will continue to be our gold standard prophylaxis.

However, the things I've read about Herpes Simplex virus 1 (HSV1) have made me wonder whether there's any point. From reputable sources, I've read that as many as 60% of the population have antibodies to the virus, but only a number of them ever show clinical disease. Also, I've read that virus is shed into saliva even during non-symptomatic phases.

I can't help but think that on a long enough timeline I'm going to get it, or that I even have it now but am lucky enough to not be symptomatic. Could either of those be correct? Is there some test I can take that could reliably tell me whether I've already been exposed? Supposing I have, does that mean that we no longer have to be so cautious during episodes? I once tried to ask my doctor these questions, but he didn't know and was kinda pissed that I would waste his time just to ask some questions. He's not the best.

I can avoid kissing her for 10 days, 3 times a year. But if it's a pointless strategy, I'd want to know. And speaking of avoiding kissing her, once the sore has backed down and started the healing process, is it safe then? Or do I have to wait until the area has completely healed?

Finally, can someone with a cold sore give themselves genital herpes (I know HSV2 is typically responsible, but genital HSV1 infection can happen)?

Thanks in advance. There's a lot I don't know, and failing my other reasonably extensive attempts to find out, I put it you you guys. And don't worry, I will take responses with the appropriate-sized grain of salt before acting. So, supporting articles, credentials, or even just where you heard it, would be much appreciated.

Free Clinic in Boston Area?

Hillman Cobs — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 09:58:22 -0800

My wife has cold sores (for the first time). They have been there for about 10 days. She is uninsured and has tried Abreva and is taking L-Lysine with little success. We are new to living in the Boston area. She is getting pretty distressed about them. Can anybody recommend a Free Clinic in the Boston/Cambridge/Brookline area or somewhere where we can get cheap treatment?

I have an oozing sore on my face...

phredhead — Mon, 23 May 2005 19:37:01 -0800

I get these from time to time, usually on the front of my chin or outsides of my mouth: It flares up red, gets itchy, then oozes a sap-like puss for a day.
If you dont touch it, the puss gets hard/crusty.

What is this, and how to I treat/get rid of?

Canker Sores

sicem07 — Mon, 23 May 2005 16:53:31 -0800

I chronically get canker sores, does anyone know of any remedies or treatments? I have gone to the doctor, tried mouthwashes, changing to a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulphate, tried over the counter numbing treatments(benzocaine), prescription dental pastes, l-lysine supplements, and changing my diets, yet I still have multiple sores in my mouth at a time (sometimes as bad as 5 at a time, to where it hurts to talk). Does anyone have any home, prescription, otc, basically anything uner the sun remedies.