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Hi, I Was Rubbing Some Lip Balm Off My Lips

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Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2020
Question: Hi, I was rubbing some lip balm off my lips with some water and also currently have cold sores. I went to the toilet after, then realised I touched my penis. I immediately cleansed my genitals with rubbing alcohol and washed the area in the shower. What are the chances that I've spread hsv to my genitals?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Very small chance

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. There is a small chance that you infected yourself, as it sounds like you were having an active oral HSV infection, and then possibly got some of the virus on your finger, which you then touched your penis with.

That being said, I think the risk is extremely small. Typically the virus is transmitted by direct contact with an area that is actively infected, and so transmission by your finger would be unusual. Also, you only briefly contacted your penis, and then quickly washed the area, and typically there has to be extended contact (over minutes) for transmission to occur.

So while I cannot say it would be impossible, the chances are so slim I don't think you need to worry about it at all.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Follow up: Dr. Aaron Branch (3 days later)
Hi, I also noticed a rash around my eyes. Could this be hsv or just dermatitis?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Likely dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Even if you immediately touched around your eyes after touching your cold sores, it would be very unusual to have an HSV infection there. This would much more likely be due to a dermatitis. In particular, it looks like a seborrheic dermatitis on the face. This would normally be treated with a weak steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone), an antifungal cream, or an antifungal shampoo. Hydrocortisone cream and antifungal shampoo (such as Nizoral shampoo) can be found over the counter, and I would expect either one would help to clear this.

Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Aaron Branch

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1206 Questions

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Hi, I Was Rubbing Some Lip Balm Off My Lips

Brief Answer: Very small chance Detailed Answer: Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. There is a small chance that you infected yourself, as it sounds like you were having an active oral HSV infection, and then possibly got some of the virus on your finger, which you then touched your penis with. That being said, I think the risk is extremely small. Typically the virus is transmitted by direct contact with an area that is actively infected, and so transmission by your finger would be unusual. Also, you only briefly contacted your penis, and then quickly washed the area, and typically there has to be extended contact (over minutes) for transmission to occur. So while I cannot say it would be impossible, the chances are so slim I don't think you need to worry about it at all. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.