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Is A Red Spot Post Recovery From Cold Sore Contagious?

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Posted on Mon, 18 Apr 2016
Question: HI there,



My cold sore has gone through the scabbing stage, but I still have a red spot left where the cold sore was (on the corner of my top lip) . Is that red spot still contagious? I am very worried because my boyfriend accidentally touched it with his fingers for quick couple seconds. I am worried he might be infected? How do I know if the red spot is still contagious? The red spot has been there for at least 3-4 days now



Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.

Cold sores are infective only if the lesion is fresh and there is liquid oozing out from that.
Just touching the lesion doesn't mean that infection will spread. However saliva may still carry the virus.
In your case washing of hand is enough to prevent spread.
Just relax he is safe.

Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)
Hi thank you Dr. XXXXXXX

The thing is isnt it odd that the red spot has a slight shooting pain? does that mean its still a contagious red spot?

and also my boyfriend didnt get a chance to wash hands right away? does that mean I have transmitted to his finger and its going to spread where ever he touches on his body parts?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
He is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Pain might be there for a week due to irritation of nerve.
Pain does not mean presence of active infection.
Just relax even if he has touched other parts of body the chance of infection is not much.
The virus needs a breach in skin to cause infection.
Just relax.
Let me know if you have any other side effects.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (5 days later)
Thank you Doctor XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
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. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 6637 Questions

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Is A Red Spot Post Recovery From Cold Sore Contagious?

Brief Answer: Nothing to worry Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query. Cold sores are infective only if the lesion is fresh and there is liquid oozing out from that. Just touching the lesion doesn't mean that infection will spread. However saliva may still carry the virus. In your case washing of hand is enough to prevent spread. Just relax he is safe. Let me know if you have any other doubts. Thank you.