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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Sexually Transmitted Infections > HSV-2 on my leg?
    Posted on: 08/13/2007

    Question

    About a year ago i got a weird rash on my lower leg that blistered over and the doctor cultured it and it came back as zoster AND HSV-2. Not even a year later I have another outbreak in the exact spot on my leg. i have never noticed sores in the genital area. Does this mean that I have the genital form since it only shows up on my leg? Please let me know if anyone else has experienced this!!

    Answer

    Hi, That is correct. You have the genital form since the zoster does not repeat in the same place. I have seen this before. Herpes can actually occur anyplace the virus has touched, although it is usually about the genital area. If it recurs 3-4 or more times over the year your doctor can give you a medication to prevent this. Also, the same medication can be use to abort or treat a current outbreak. In this last case the sooner the medication is taken the more effective it is. When you have an outbreak it is important to avoid sex with others since it can be spread then. Hope this is helpful.


    Answered By:
    William Page , M.D.


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