HERPES

First Outbreak

Dear Dr. Rob:

I am having my first breakout ever, I was just tested and I am waiting for my results, but the doctor say they are 99 percent sure that it is herpes. I also have Crohns Disease, what does this mean for me in the future? Right now the pain is so intense, I can hardly move. Is this normal? What should I be doing? I am taking Valtrex and Zovirax. I am extremely scared and confused.

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Dr. Rob’s Response:

Dear Poster Having an Outbreak:

I hope you are not, but it would sound like you do have herpes. Whether this is Type 1 or Type 2 cannot be stated until the Herpes Select Test comes back. With regard to it’s meaning in light of your Crohns Disease, it will put increased stress on your immune system, and you might consider discussing with your doctor, both the use of Valcyclovir suppressive therapy to prevent occurrences which could flare your Crohns Disease (although there is not a great deal of evidence to support that), as well as Lysine, one gram a day to calm the herpes viruses. Lysine will not prevent outbreaks, but may mitigate or reduce them. 

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