Sacral herpes!

[Lucie11]

Occasionally, I get a cluster of ‘spots’ on my bum cheek or at the bottom of my spine that are really sore and a bit weepy.

I always thought they were just where I had perhaps got a bit sweaty etc.
I was looking up something about shingles out of interest and started reading about sacral herpes and realise this is what this is 😩.
I can’t remember how long it’s been happening but it’s quite a few years.
Interestingly, about 7 or 8 years ago for the first time I developed a cold sore on my nose after a hideous cold virus thing.

I’m now susceptible to these if I get a bad cold.

Are they linked? I have never had genital herpes and I’ve been married for over 20 years.
I feel a bit disgusted!! Have just had an outbreak of bum spots that is now drying up, but it has been so sore.

Have you actually been diagnosed by a GP because what you're describing could equally be excema?

I haven’t but I don’t think it’s exzema as now I’m thinking about it, the stinging and pain is exactly the same as when I get a cold sore on my face!

The latest outbreak is healing now, but when it recurs (which it will 🙄) I will ask the Dr to check it when it is in the first stages.

GPs can give antivirals, some good ones stop the virus replication right at the beginning

herpes has different forms (part of the same family as other common viruses) it’s quite common

I get it on my shoulder. Had it tested and it’s HSV2. Sacral herpes may well be HSV2 but it could easily be HSV1. The fact that it hasn’t come back much may mean it’s more likely to be HSV1. You will only know if you have a test (either of an active sore or a blood test). I had to pay for mine via a private GP.

What people don’t realise is herpes can be anywhere on your body - it’s just that the most common locations are your mouth and your genitals.