Question:
Hey there!

I have never formally introduced myself, although I have posted on a couple of threads. I am a 34 year old female who has had GHSV-2 for about 10 years. Luckily, my outbreaks aren't that severe and are few and far between (even in the very beginning). I NEVER have had broken skin...only one to three red bumps that look like tiny little pimples without a head on them. I take daily Valtrex and have recently added Lysine into the program.

Here's my question. I am a major skin care fanatic (face and body). I use salon grade alpha hydroxy (glycolic acid) and beta hydroxy (salicylic acid) products on both my face and body every day. As you may know, these products are heavy duty exfoliants and cause a fast "turnover" of skin cells (old skin comes off to expose fresh, new skin). I am wondering if anyone has heard or read anything about how this may or may not help with asymptomatic and/or post-outbreak shedding? It would stand to reason that if you are causing a rapid turnover of skin cells on a daily basis, the likelihood of shedding would decrease, no? And I should mention...I do not use these "down there" during an active outbreak, as it would only further irritate things. But when there is no outbreak, I do use it all over my body (including the "boxer shorts" region that is known for shedding). Any thoughts or feedback on this subject?

Thanks!

Answer:
The virus lives in the nervous system and something causes it to be active. Once active the virus uses the nerves to travel to the skin and cause outbreaks and produce viral shedding on the surface of the skin.

What ever makes it active is what starts the shedding of viral particles I don't know how external exfoliants would make any difference.

I am sure you have a lovely glowing complexion and that has to be healthy in itself but does it cause any irritation that would perhaps encourage the virus if used on a genital infection? Mucous membranes are more sensitive than other parts of the body.