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Reliability of IGG test In finding HERPES.

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I have a question about possible exposure to herpes. I had protected oral and vaginal sex with a prostitute nearly 5 months ago. A couple weeks after I felt like I had got something. Over the next few months I had several full panel std tests, blood work, and urine evaluations. The latest tests being at the 4 month mark. Everything has been negative with a few blood numbers being slightly off the last test. My glucose level spiked, absolute lymphocytes took a dip, and white blood count elevated. My current conditions are occasional groin pain, lower back pain, occasional tingling in the feet, blurry vision, what appears to be jock itch, same type irritation in arm pits and leg pain that has persisted for a few months. I've been treating the irritation in the groin area with jock itch cream for a month with no relief. Since the last blood test and the few abnormalities i've also been dealing with bed sweats at night. The sweats have been nearly every night. I've never been a big sweater in general, but find myself sweating profusely on the back of my head when working during the day. One last thing I have noticed is the consistancy of my seman. It it very watery, not thick and white like it once was.  Over the past few months I have had on and off pain in the groin/lymph area, pimples on back and shoulders, and diarrhea/constipation. My question is about the reliability if the igg herpes test, the most recent at 16 weeks. Next week will be 20 weeks and I'm considering another herpes test. Should I consider 16 weeks reliable?My biggest concern is the rash on my inner thighs/groin area (possible jock itch). I've been told herpes can look like jock itch. Also the nagging pain in the legs. I've also seen this as a herpes symptom. Your guidance and advice on further testing is much appreciated.Thank you

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD)Specialist

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Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
 23 Doctors Online

Hello. Thank you for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com

I can understand your concern.

I would like to request you to send a picture of the rash in the groin so I can let you know whether it's herpes or not.

IgG tests are not completely reliable, however if you do not get any lesions then it's best to not worry about it, but you can surely repeat the test, to make sure that it's negative.

Take care
Regards


Patient replied :

I have attached a photo, its not real clear on the red rash, but basically i have these thin red lines on both sides between my thighs and groin. i have treated them about a month with no improvement.
Keeping in mind my possible exposure was nearly 5 months ago:
1) for the last month, would it be common for herpes to cause night sweats nearly nightly?
2) for the last 4 months, would it be common to have nagging pain in my legs?
3) for about a month i've had occasional tingling in my feet
4) would testicle pain be something i would expect
Next week at the 5 month mark i intend to test again. if these current ailments continue, would you suggest i continue to test at monthly intervals? The doctoring i have done has resulted in blood and urine tests and i've been told everything is fine. Until i feel fine I will have a hard time excepting everything is fine

thanks


Hello.
Thanks for your reply.

You seem to be having candidial intertrigo which is a yeast infection. Herpes won't cause any of your symptoms for 4- 5 months. Herpes presents itself and resolves within a week. So the symptoms would last only for about a week.
Hence, I see no herpes at present for you. Herpes usually presents as cluster of fluid filled blisters.
For the intertrigo, you can apply clotrimazole cream twice a day for two weeks.
In case your concern remains unresolved, it would be best to visit your doctor to let him physically examine you.
Please let me know if you have any queries.

Take care.


Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
Experience: 
Diploma in Dermatology - Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Glasgow, UK , 2010
Residency - DNB, Dermatology -  K.J Somaiya Hospital, Mumbai, 2009
Medical School & Internship - MBBS - Dr. D . Y . Patil Medical College, Mumbai, 2004
Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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