Question:
Hi all,
I have had oral herpes since I was about 16. I am 25 now. My site infections are always either on my lips or on both sides of my chin. I was getting about 2-3 ob's per year (which I was fine with) until the last 6 months. I have had constant prodrome symptoms for the last 6 months on my chin, and I cannot get them to go away. It is literally driving me crazy. The symptoms never erupt into sores, because of the amount of antivirals that I am currently taking. For those that may ask, I am positive it is herpes, and I am positive it is prodrome symptoms. I have been to several doctors and dermatologists which all agree that this is the case. But they have not really helped much, except for giving me antiviral prescriptions.

I am currently taking 400mg Acyclovir, twice a day for suppressive therapy. During a really intense outbreak, I take 2gm of Valtrex, twice a day. Oral Zovirax and Denavir seem to be of no help to me. The only thing that seems to help is OTC Benzoyl Peroxide, which as you can imagine dries my skin to the point of redness. I counteract the redness with moisturizer, notably vitamin e. Also, as a supplement, I take 1000mg of Lysine twice a day, 500mg of Vitamin C twice a day, and Acidiophilus twice a day. I never eat any arginine-containing foods, and I stay out of the sun. If I do go into the sun, I wear heavy sunblock. I have tried everything that I have found on any of these boards and all online sources, and I cannot get the prodrome symptoms to cease. I have recently ordered oxy-moxy and olive leaf extract and I am going to try those soon. But that probably won't help either (yea I know I'm being very negative about it).

Has anyone experienced constant prodrome symptoms, that never erupt into actual blisters (I think they never erupt because of the antivirals)? And why can I not get the redness to go away? Even during a 2 week trial period of applying moisturizer everyday, and NO Benzoyl Peroxide, my skin still appears red.

I really need some advice, because this is ruining my life.

Answer:
Boy - I'm sorry - I'm not sure what to say - how is the stress level? My sister went on a mild antidepressant to help her obs - it worked for her... and do you think the moisturizer may be irritating? Just throwin' out there...