Question: I contracted HSV2 about 30 years ago and, after the first outbreak, I have had NO outbreaks at all. For some reason, I had a very bad outbreak about two months ago, and it lasted for nearly a month. I was put on acyclovir, then changed to Valacyclovir for suppression. The doctor prescribed 1000 mg per day, and 2000 if I had an outbreak. I took the meds for a month and then stopped. Within a few days, I was having another outbreak. This one has been even worse. I upped my Valtrex dose to 2000, as prescribed, then, on my own, upped it to 3000 two days ago. My symptoms have finally started to subside but are not completely gone. I also developed an itchy rash on my face, arms, and shoulders, and inside my nose tingles and itches. Could this rash be caused by the Valtrex or is it part of the herpes infection? I am so paranoid about touching any part of my body, putting on my makeup, or even washing myself and I wash my hands CONSTANTLY. I have had such a difficult time emotionally since the outbreaks started that I can hardly function. I am not sure what is related to the HSV and what is related to Valtrex. Should I up my dose to 4000, even with the rash? Also, if my symptoms are better, and I am taking so much Valtrex, am I still highly contagious?