Is it possible to have a herpes break out on your thigh or nose? What type would this be? It's not genital and it's not oral, so what else is there? I can feel it coming days before the rash/blisters show on the skin. If I catch it in time, I can usually get OTC topical such as Abreeva that minimizes the pain and discomfort. Any ideas in what else it could be? My Dr says it could be Shingles, Impentago (sp?), Staff infection or herpes. I need some advise... Are there any sure fire ways to tell the difference between any of these suggestions? 8-|
The discussion starter got several possible causes for his/her problem that all were unclear and ambiguous. Even his/her doctor didn't provide a definitive diagnosis.
If it is a herpes outbreak, you can have an actual sore cultured to see if it is herpes and also if it is oral or genital herpes.
The member who replied fist gave this suggestion and explained that both oral (HSV-1) or genital (HSV-2) lesion can occur anywhere on the body if they're transmitted from an oral or genital sore to another part of the body. This member also explained that oral or genital herpes can cause a sore in the affected area but it is highly unlikely to continuously have outbreaks there unless repeated exposure occurs (for example, from the towel).
This member also added that the nose is a common place for someone with oral herpes to have outbreaks there. He/she also emphasized the importance of washing hands often, especially if you have or are often exposed to the herpes virus.
I contracted herpes 16 years ago. I first got a rash on my inner thigh. I get the outbreak about 5 times a year. The symptoms seem to be getting worse as I age.
The member who joined the discussion next told her/his experience. According to him/her, every following outbreak carries symptoms that become worse. During the most recent outbreak, this participant was in bed for an entire day with severe muscle weakness and fatigue, as well as the rash on the leg that did not blister. He/she felt flu-like symptoms as well. The doctors he/she visited weren't sure if these symptoms were shingles or something else. The participants suspected allergy, as his/her symptoms worsened, but never got a confirmation.
Other participants who joined the discussion said that it is possible to get herpes on other parts of the body, including legs, although some claimed not because of genital herpes (the HSV-2 strand).
Yes, you definitely get herpes on other parts of your body. I have had outbreaks on my left shoulder for 20 years now. I don't have genital herpes either. I don't know how I contracted it on my shoulder.
Herpes zoster (shingles) which can be present in other parts of the body, was mentioned as a possible cause for outbreaks on legs. One participant claiming to be a doctor said that you can get type I and type II herpes anywhere the virus infects (but is usually genital since mucous membranes are more porous). However, cases, where an individual has multiple site infections from the same virus, occurs really rarely.
One participant in the discussion tried to explain the difference between staph infection and herpes that can both cause red bumps that may look similar.
A staph infection is usually very red and sore to the touch. Herpes you will feel tingling, itching, even pain before any bumps come up. They will eventually ooze and scab over in about a week or two. Although they do not always form blisters and scab.
Impetigo was another condition mentioned to be similar in appearance to herpes. It usually affects children and it can present in the mouth, nose, hands, and forearms. There's the only way to be sure what causes the outbreak - a test from your doctor. Your doctor can take a culture or blood and find out what it is. Most importantly, all these conditions are manageable.
Acyclovir, Valacyclovir or Valtrex were mentioned as the recommended antivirals for treatment of cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex), shingles (caused by herpes zoster), as well as the treatment of outbreaks of genital herpes.
What do experts say?
Herpes is an infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). Herpes is a general term used to describe both oral herpes and genital herpes. Each is caused by a different type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV):
- HSV-1, or type 1 herpes, is responsible for oral herpes infections that result in lesions in or around the mouth, otherwise known as cold sores. It can sometimes cause genital sores.
- HSV-2, or type 2 herpes, is thought to almost exclusively cause genital herpes.
Both herpes simplex virus types belong to the group of DNA viruses known as alphaherpesviruses. One more virus belongs to the same group - a varicella-zoster virus that causes herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox. This virus, although sharing the 'herpes' name with the HSV viruses, is not the same virus responsible for cold sores or genital herpes.
Symptoms of herpes
Most people with HSV do not experience symptoms for months or years after becoming infected. HSV types 1 and 2 both cause blistery, red sores, but the two infections have some differences.
Initial infection of HSV-1 can be widespread, with several sores on the lips or inside the mouth. Initial symptoms may also occur in the genital region if the virus was acquired through oral sex.
The sores may appear as:
- Slightly raised, reddish areas
- A group of small, fluid-filled blisters
- Blisters that quickly develop a crust on them
HSV-2 does not always cause symptoms, particularly in men. When it does, symptoms typically include pain in or around the genital area. The pain may be more pronounced during urination or sexual activity. Sores may appear red, fluid-filled, or crusty, and they may recur for years if not treated.
Early symptoms of herpes zoster (shingles) may include fever and general weakness, as well as areas of pain, burning, or a tingling sensation. A few days later, the first signs of a rash appear, which develops on the face and torso. The rash quickly develops itchy, fluid-filled blisters similar to chickenpox.
Can herpes appear on legs?
Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips, which are sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. The HSV-1 sores may occur on:
- the lips
- the gums
- the front of the tongue
- the inside of the cheeks
- the throat
- the roof of the mouth
They may also extend down the chin and neck.
In herpes type 2, the sores are located around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist.
If you have genital herpes or oral herpes, you cannot transmit the infection to another part of your body after the initial infection occurs. For example, if you have genital HSV-2, you will not get HSV-2 at another site in your body, because the body produces antibodies that protect other parts of your body from infection. However, there are cases where an individual has multiple site infections from the same virus.
The herpes zoster (shingles) rash commonly develops as a stripe of blisters that wraps around one side of the torso. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face. Although shingles blisters are most common on the torso and face, they can occur elsewhere. In rare cases, the rash appears on the lower body.
Other conditions that can cause rash and blisters on legsSeveral other conditions have been mentioned in the discussion as a possible cause for blisters on legs, including staph infection and impetigo.
- Staph infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The feet are the most prone area to pick up bacteria, especially from open wounds. The appearance of the staph infection on the skin can range from red bumps to flesh-eating infections, depending on how strong the infection is and how deep it is in the skin.
- Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and children. Impetigo usually appears as red sores on the face, especially around nose and mouth, and on hands and feet. These sores quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a yellowish-brown crust.
To be sure what causes rash, bumps or blisters on your body you need to visit your doctor who will make a diagnosis based on the signs and symptoms, as well as tests, including a blood test, viral cultures, and an antibody test.
Herpes can be easily treated with medications that inhibit viral replication, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. Treatment can reduce symptoms and the number of outbreaks. However, it does not cure the virus.
Links:
- Whitley, R. J., & Roizman, B. (2001). Herpes simplex virus infections. The Lancet, 357(9267), 1513–1518.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17939933
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5177552/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1889999/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5079789/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008061/
Discussion highlights
Where on the body the herpes sores have been reported?
- As great as it has been I now have about 4 little bubbly bumps on my thigh were my leg connects to my butt.
- hi i think i have it on my hands i just found out resently that i have hsv 1 but its not genital.
- i have these bites on my hands and all over my body except my head and my privet areas is it possible its herpes cuz it just itches it doesnt blister at all.
- my dad has herpes infection in his left leg with reddish blisters.
- I got Herpes Virus Type 1 as a baby on the whole lower half of my body and now still occasionally get large lesions on my bum cheeks or thighs.
What medications and treatments have been recommended?
- Anyway - I've been taking L-Lysine everyday 6000 mg per day total.
- he is under propoxyphene and paracetamol but these seems ineffective for the pain.
- If I catch it in time, I can usually get OTC topical such as Abreeva that minimizes the pain and discomfort.
- I have taken acyclovir, valtrex, abreva, etc.
- I usually just cover it up with ozonal and a bandaid, then forget about it for a week, then take the bandaid off or reapply another one if the blisters are not completely gone.
Verification Claims & Medical Studies
-
Yes, you can get herpes on other parts of the body, but it is NOT genital herpes (the HSV-2 strand).
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/shingles
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1871807/ -
Acyclovir or Valacyclovir or Valtrex are the recommended antivirals and if you get a prescription, are very inexpensive in their generic forms.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684190/
In conclusion
Two types of herpes virus cause sores around mouth and lips, as well as genital area and rectum. These sores may also occur in other locations, including legs. There are several other conditions that can cause sores similar to herpes. It is important to visit your doctor to get the right diagnosis.