Can Herpes Be Tramsmitted Through Usage Of Sample Cosmetics?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to sephora today an without really thnking I used a sample lipstick but i wiped it off and chipped off a piece of it before I put it against my lips. Can I get herpes from that?

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
There is very little possibility of getting affected by herpes from using a lipstick since virus does not survive too long on non living things.
Also since you broke off the terminal part, so it is quite unlikely that younger be infected.
Still to be cautious, take care in future not to use someone else's cosmetics.

Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (6 minutes later)

I just broke off a tiny bit but I also wiped off into a tissue your saying its unlikely to transmit it that way?

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Transmission chances not negligible

Detailed Answer:
The possibility of transmission of herpes in not negligible
If someone with active sores happened to use the lipstick just sometime before you applied, then there is surely a chance of transmission.
But since you removed the tip and also if it wasn't used the same day by anyone else, then the chances are very less.
But in cases like yours, no treatment can be given prophylactically.
Only if any apparent lesions appear, then treatment is given.

Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju