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Can Cold Sores Be Transmitted To The Genitals By Touch?

Posted on Wed, 1 Apr 2015

Question: I've been getting cold sores for a few years now.. If I accidentally touch my cold sore then touch my genitals a little while later is that going to spread genital herpes to myself? I didn't think much of it until I looked it up on the internet and there was mixed reviews..

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Next time try to be more careful.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

There are two types of the HSV virus:
-HSV 1 which is responsible for cold sores,
-HSV 2 which is responsible for genital herpes and is spread through sexual contact.

However both types of HSV can infect the mouth or the genital areas so genital herpes can be caused by contact with a person (like oral sex) who has cold sores.

There is some possibility that you could transfer the virus to your genitals.

For the future be especially careful any time you touch the affected area. Try to wash your hands with hot water and soap.

There is no cure for herpes but there are anti-viral medications like acyclovir that can shorten outbreaks.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (1 hour later)

but it is rare for myself, a healthy women who has had cold sores for a few years now to transfer it to my genitals, correct? Due to my body producing antibodys?

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is common to detect HSV-1 in the genital tract.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Yes, correct.

It is not due to antibodys. Virus must come in contact with mucosal surfaces or damage skin. Then virus replicates in the genital area.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (13 minutes later)

So i shouldnt be too worried? I seem to work myself up about problems like this. I believe i wash my hands or santize my hands after applying medicine to my cold sore before touching anywhere else.. Just wanted to make sure its not highly probable to transfer it or 100% common.. Thank you. Will help relax.

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry.

Detailed Answer:
You should not be too worried. There is some chance that you could transfer the virus but the chance is quite low.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (21 hours later)

What is the musocal surfaces you are referring to? Like my clitoris or inside my genital.. Or skin surrounding.. My pubic hair area? I had only touched beside my clitoris once i believe. Still worrying. How long would it take for me to notice if ive infected myself. It has nothing to do with lowering the risk because of anit bodys? Thats what the intrnet has said

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try to relax

Detailed Answer:
hello again,
1. mucous membrane line in the body cavities like in your vagina. also clitoris has a mucous membrane.
2. antibodies can cause, then symptoms of the infection may be milder.
3. it takes up to 21 days.
4. try to imagine that more than half of the population would have genital herpes only because touching cold sores. Try to relax because your chance is low.
5. for the future remember about not touching your eyes and genital area.
best regards.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta