Question 1

is it possible to be misdiagnosed with herpes?

Accepted Answer

Certainly: There are several  skin conditions that can resemble herpes.   To name a few, shingles, contact dermatitis, fixed drug eruption and molluscum contagiosum.  If you feel you have been misdiagnosed seek a second opinion the next time you get an outbreak.

Question 2

can genital herpes be misdiagnosed during a pelvic exam?

Accepted Answer

Not likely :/: It sounds like you have genital sores and have a history of unprotected sex, and that genital herpes was diagnosed at your last pelvic exam. While can happen, it sounds much more likely that your hope for misdiagnosis is wishful thinking :/ maybe this is a good time to go back into your OB, let her have another look, and review some genital herpes  treatment options with you.

Question 3

can i take acyclovir (800 mg) and valaciclovir (1 g) together?  i think i am misdiagnosed with genital herpes, what can i do?

Accepted Answer

No not recommended: Just answered your ? , make sure you are correctly diagnosed and if you are then you may need referral to an infectious disease doctor as you may need less common stronger anti- herpes meds or IV meds.

Question 4

i think i am misdiagnosed with genital herpes, every time my period comes i get bumps and irritation i've been taking my meds but they don't work. ?

Accepted Answer

Please see your gyn: Cultures and blood antibodies can be done, sometimes if you do indeed have herpes it can develop resistance to the meds.

Question 5

after full exam doctor diagnosed mild case of shingles on lower back. i'm still paranoid it was misdiagnosed and is herpes simplex - should i be?

Accepted Answer

Shingles: Shingles is part of herpes family of viruses so you don't need to be paranoid. You actually do have herpes. Herpes Zoster, specifically. The term Symplex really prefers to type one which is found in the mouth and type two which is found in the genitalia. However, these viruses are all essentially related and affect different parts of the body.

Question 6

is herpes serious?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Herpes simplex  when sexually transmitted to an otherwise healthy adult usually manifests as a group of burning or painful blisters.  The problem in these individuals is the high potential for reccurrence and it's contagious nature. 
Herpes simplex infections in those with a poor or compromised immune system  such as aids or neonates on the other hand can be very serious.

Question 7

can herpes be cured?

Accepted Answer

No: Herpes simplex virus, like all members of this group of viruses, acts like a squatter.  Sets up shop in your body and remains there for the rest of your life, although you may never have symptoms.

Question 8

how did i get herpes?

Accepted Answer

From someone else: You get herpes from someone else who has it.  Hsv-2 is usually transmitted sexually.  Hsv-1, the cause of cold sores, is often acquired earlier in life through close personal contact that isn't sexual.

Question 9

what are symptoms of herpes?

Accepted Answer

HERPES SYMPTOMS: I am assuming you mean herpes simplex commonly known as cold sores. Symptoms are itching and burning, blisters located mainly on the lips and face, also on the genital areas. Occasionally on the fingers, buttocks, and other areas of the skin. Highly contagious. Caused by viruses.

Question 10

herpes and telling a partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: You should always tell you partner that you have herpes, for several reasons.  (1) it's the right thing to do...You'd want to know if the situation were reversed. (2) you can't always tell when you're contagious, (3) if antibody tests show that your partner doesn't already have it, you can take medication to prevent outbreaks and keep the herpes suppressed.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What can herpes be misdiagnosed for

A member asked:

Is it possible to be misdiagnosed with herpes?

A member asked:

Can genital herpes be misdiagnosed during a pelvic exam?

A member asked:

Can i take acyclovir (800 mg) and valaciclovir (1 g) together? i think i am misdiagnosed with genital herpes, what can i do?

A member asked:

I think i am misdiagnosed with genital herpes, every time my period comes i get bumps and irritation i've been taking my meds but they don't work. ?

A member asked:

After full exam doctor diagnosed mild case of shingles on lower back. i'm still paranoid it was misdiagnosed and is herpes simplex - should i be?

A member asked:

Is herpes serious?

A member asked:

Can herpes be cured?

A member asked:

How did i get herpes?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of herpes?

A member asked:

Herpes and telling a partner?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?