HERPES

Are we Re-infecting Each Other with Herpes?

Dear Dr. Tom:

Both my wife and I have had genital herpes for the past 14 years. Until recently we have had unprotected sex with no problem except for an occasional tingle. For the past few months though, we have both had pretty severe breakouts with bumps, severe itching, etc., brought on originally I think, by an off-brand clothes detergent we had never used before. Now we can’t seem to get rid of it! When one lesion heals, another one pops up. Are we just re-infecting each other? According to your other answers I have read, unprotected sex between two married infected partners should not be a big concern. Can you elaborate on that and is there anything that can be done to alleviate the severe itching, which seems to be the most annoying factor?

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Dr. Tom’s Response:

Dear Couple Married for 14 years:

From the brief description of your situation, some factor has entered the situation that has not been there for the relatively uneventful period of your marriage. Re-inoculation is possible, but more likely some other inciting variable is active now. You should consult a dermatologist to seek relief from the intensive itching. If the lesions appear to be the same, your herpes is most likely making an annoying disturbance for a reason that I cannot answer. A clinical examination and conference with your health care provider hopefully should give you the direct guidance needed.

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