HERPES

Outbreaks on my Buttocks

Dear Dr. Rob:

I am reading what is posted about herpes but, I am seeing information about oral and genital herpes only. I think that I might be having outbreaks on my buttocks. It occurs before and during my menstrual cycle. I have redness in the area and there are small blisters. It does not last long but I question whether it is herpes or something else. Any information would be helpful. Thank you

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Dr. Rob’s Response:

Dear Poster with Outbreaks on her Buttocks:

Herpes can occur on the buttocks. Again the best way to determine it, is to either have your gynecologist culture it when there is an open lesion, which rarely occurs, only between day 2 and day 4, or have the Herpes Select Test done and find out if you have the IgG antibodies to Herpes Type 1 or Herpes Type 2. 20% of genital herpes is Herpes Type 1, which is more commonly associated with oral lesions, so I cannot say with certainty which one it is without the test.

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