Herpes? | Arthritis Information

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Has anyone developed Herpes while being on Humira and prednisone?  I need info. if anyone knows anything.  Thanks!  HMSK

What kind of herpes are you talking about?  The std kind or the cold sore kind?  It is possible to get anything while on Humira and pred because they both suppress the immune system.  Unfortunately with genital herpes, if you have intercourse with someone that has open sores and you do not use protection you are most likely going to develop the condition.  That goes for anyone.  As for cold sores, that is entirely possible also.  Don't forget, you are more susceptible to everything since you are on immune suppressing medication.I've had herpes outbreaks on my hip (?) off and on for mnay years and all the chronic fatigue that goes with it.   But I can definately say that since bein on te RA meds, the outbreaks happen all the time.Tara...is that the skin type??? Isn't that in like, random places? Or am I crazy. And how do you get it? I was pretty sure there were multiple types of herpes.....

Tara,

I've had an outbreak of "shingles" which is a herpes virus, if you have had chickenpox then you are likely to develop "shingles" usually in older people "60's and up" due to the fact as we age immune systems become depressed.

I to take Humera and was on Pred for a year.  Mine broke out on my leg. It was biopsied and came back herpes simplex.  I've always know simplex to be the genitalia kind or std.  Shingles is usually "herpes zoster" 

What I've learned is herpes can lay dormant (like chickenpox)without any symptoms.  Stress, suppressed immune can bring on an sudden outbreak. 

Since we are on these immune supp. drugs, gramm is right.  We are more prone to this.  My dr said once you have an outbreak you are more prone to another.  and gave me Valtrex and said even if I "think" I might be getting it again take it immediately. 

I hope this helps.

How long have you been on Humera? 

KAT

I think is is herpes zostor and/or shingles.  Seems to 'live' on my sciatic nerve and is oh, so painful.  But I recently heard someone say that you usually on get that type of outbreak once in your life, then  it goes away.  but not for me 

What you have sounds like shingles to me. They appear near a nerve like you've described. Google shingles and look at some of the pictures. They can be mild; but can also be very serious. If you catch it early medication will help a lot. If not they can cause horrible problems. How long has this been going on?

If it is shingles, get to your doc right away. It can come back again, especially if you have RA and can cause chronic nerve pain. It also can cause blindness if it is near your eyes. If that's a problem, make the fastest trip you can to the opthalmologist.

This not one to mess around with. Get treatment. Evidently, just having RA makes us more prone to shingles. Gee, we get blessed with everything.

I've had outbreaks off and on for several years actually, it's just that this past year it is very frequent.  Don't know if sciatica pain, which is also really bad now, triggers them, or vice versa.  Definately stress is involved!  I'm off work today from general ra exhausion and pain, and also the out break exhaustion.  Hoping to sleep all day today and I MUST go to work tomorrow.  (There wil already be repercutions for being off today)

I have an appt. with my 'old' rd next week so will talk to him about it and also make an appt. with my eye doctor for right after christmas.   

Thanks all!

I have not had herpes or shingles but I have had giant hives (ouch) cause unknown, and a chronic outbreak of milia on my check bones. None of my docs admit it is the meds  - but I think so.

herpes simplex type 2 - is on the genitals

two different types of the same strain

 

 

I use to get cold sores (herpes simplex 1) pretty often. In the last few years ,hardly at all. My RA meds haven't caused them to come back either. For me, even a slight sunburn on my face would cause me to get one. I always had to have prescription medication to take care of them.

I try to use chap stick with sunsreen in it; that helps me. Like you Miles, the sun casues them for me. I've been to the beach on several occations to come home with HORRIBLE ones. I mean the type that hurt when air blows on them.

This past year I was getting them alot but I honestly believe the high dose of MTX was contributing. Since we've reduced it.....none at all!! LOVE IT.

Hey Trixie!!

I think Folic Acid helps them and eating plain yogurt.Trixie,

Used to be as simple as that but one can actually have simplex type two "above the waist."  Though you are right, typically type 2 is an STD.  I have a couple of friends with this disease and it is a life-long issue for them.  Outbreaks vary, and can be stay dormant for long periods of time, but for the two friends I speak about, it is problematic for them several times a year at least.  It is very sad as there is no cure, they can only treat the symptoms.  Usually stress causes an outbreak for both of them.

Shingles is also a Herpes related illness as others have said.  Anyone can get this, if you have been exposed to Herpes Zoster (most commonly from Chicken Pox) in the past.  It can manifest itself externally (most frequent) or internally.  Both are exceptionally painful  and take some time to treat.

This group is really well informed about this as many have had shingles or simple outbreaks of cold sores.  Don't wait to seek treatment, though because they do have good medications that help these days.

Jeanne

Jeanne,

On the first page of this thread there were many types of herpes listed.  I was only stating that the two simplex varieties are of the same strain but different types.

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