In regards to herpes and viral shedding, how wide an area does the shedding affect?

Question

My herpes outbreaks are always in virtually the same spot, or within an inch. If I am shedding the virus, is it only from this small area? Or when shedding occurs, does it travel to other "unaffected" parts and thus risk spreading in those areas too?

Answer 1

Herpes outbreaks usually DO occur in the same spots, but they can also spread to other parts of the genital area.

When a person is "shedding" they aren't actually having an outbreak. They usually either just got over an outbreak, or they are about to have one. "Shedding" occurs right before or right after an outbreak. Most people aren't aware they are even "shedding" because there are usually no physical symptoms, like sores.

When a person has genital herpes is affects their entire genital area, not just where the sores are. That's why it's possible to spread the virus even if condoms are used or the person is not on an outbreak. Any DIRECT skin to skin contact with the genital area can spread the virus. Condoms don't fully protect a person from contracting herpes because the condom only covers a man's penis and not his entire genital area. Just the rubbing back and forth of the genital areas during sex is enough to spread the virus.

Basically, herpes can be spread whether the person is on and outbreak or not. Condoms HELP, anti viral medication HELPS, and not having sex when the person is on an outbreak HELPS prevent the spread of the virus, but nothing is totally 100% effective.

It's estimated about 70% of people with genital herpes got it from their partner when they were showing no signs or symptoms of the virus (that's how I got it)!

Take care!

Answer 2

I've had HSV-2 for 2 years and have never had a visible outbreak. I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, I eat and drink all the wrong things, and I don't get enough rest - all the classic triggers for OBs. Everyone's body handles the virus differently. Asymptomatic viral shedding is a difficult thing to pin down. There are a million different ideas about how it works and every study comes up with different results. Years ago health professionals concluded that AVS only occured 1% of time. That seemed like such a minimal risk that doctors downplayed it. But more and more people kept contracting HSV when their partners were not showing symptoms. More studies were done that found AVS occured as little as 6 days a year to as often as 70% of the time. I've done a lot of research on AVS since I'm asymptomatic. I've wanted to get a good picture of how often I'm putting my partner at risk. I've found very little conclusive information. My personal conclusions are assume you are always contagious and be open and honest with every partner before any sexual contact because they have a right to decide if they're willing to take the risk. There is an 8% - 10% chance of a man transmitting to a woman and a 4% - 5% chance of a woman transmitting to a man. These chances are cut in half by abstaining during outbreaks and with the use of condoms. They're cut in half again by also using daily suppressive therapy. There is also not a standard timeline for the appearance of symptoms after being infected. Some people show symptoms within days and some people never show identifiable symptoms. That is why HSV is so widespread. About 80% of people who have HSV don't know they have it because they might never have symptoms but more likely they've written their symptoms off as heat rash, chaffing, a pimple, etc.

Answer 3

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Answer 5

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Answer 7

Im having an outbreak as well...its om my rectum and buttocks this time...(second time). My first was only on my labias so i guess it does spread. Im with you, be well.