HERPES

Outbreaks

Dear Dr. Rob:

I have read that once you have an outbreak that reoccurrences usually occur in the same place. In other words, if you have a blister in one place, that is where you will have it again. First, is this true and second if it is, how would it spread to another area – one which I haven’t had it in before. Also, I rarely in 6 years have had breakouts and sometimes I am unsure if I have a pimple or a blister. Is there a way to be certain?
Thank you.

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Dr. Rob’s Response:

Dear Poster Asking About Outbreaks:

Outbreaks can occur wherever they choose; although there is a catalyzing to a particular spot, they can occur anywhere. There is no way to be sure that the pimple or blister is an outbreak, so discretion is the better part of valor, and I would suggest that during those periods, you refrain from sex, but as you are well aware, transmission can occur even when you don’t have outbreaks. And if you are concerned, I would suggest a suppressant regiment of Valcyclovir or Famcyclovir, with Lysine, to reduce the number of recurrences.

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