Friendswood, TX
A 28-year-old female asked:
Can my baby get herpes simplex from her head being in close proximity to a cold sore? also, how long can the virus live on skin?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Addagada Raoanswered
General Surgery 58 years experience
Yes possible: Herpes ( simplex ) is contagious disease , possible to get infected by constant contact . Once infected will stay in the body for ever.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Be very careful!: Herpes can be very dangerous in newborns up to age 1 month. HSV is transmitted by direct contact with infected sores or tissues. No kissing her until healed and frequently wash hands or use alcohol gel (like Purel®), especially after touching your face. "Head in close proximity" probably is no risk. You might take anti-HSV Rx (e.g. valacyclovir). Call and discuss all this with baby's pediatrician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Related questions
A 20-year-old female asked:
I have herpes simplex 1 and get cold sores on my tongue and inside cheeks can I use the same over-the-counter products as i would for a lip cold sore?
Dr. Clarence Lyonsanswered
Family Medicine 22 years experience
Talk to a doctor: Talk to a doctor and see about getting acyclovir, famvir, or valtrex (valacyclovir).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
View all answers
A 34-year-old female asked:
I get cold sores occasionally. Sometimes I get tender white spots in the corner of my mouth but spots are under my lip. Not elevated. It doesn't crust over or anything like a cold sore. Are they still herpes simplex related? What is this?
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
The most common cause of sores at the corner of the mouth is angular cheilitis. You can google it for more information. It can accompany common colds,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Jul 07, 2023
A 26-year-old female asked:
If someone touches a cold sore then touches a surface (without washing their hands) can the herpes virus be spread that way? Or only if its skin-to-skin contact?
Dr. John Berrymananswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 56 years experience
Any contact with a "cold sore" caused by herpes virus, which then contacts a mucosal surface (genital or oral) can spread the herpes virus. Not all "... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Dec 14, 2022
A 37-year-old member asked:
Cold sore = herpes simplex virus 1?
Dr. Richard Leadermananswered
Periodontics 51 years experience
Eat Yogurt: Herpes simplex virus is when you get little cold sores on the outside of your mouth or the tip of your nose.
Try not to touch the cold sore, you coul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mehul SHETH commented
Pediatrics 20 years experience
HSV1 is typically above the waist and HSV-2 below.
Jul 17, 2012
A 35-year-old member asked:
What leads to cold sore, herpes simplex virus?
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Yes: An estimated 80% of americans have been exposed to herpes simplex virus type 1. However, not all of those people will get cold sores. It depends on y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan commented
Dermatology 59 years experience
herpes recurrent episodes are on lip, not gum or palate
Jan 16, 2014
Last updated Mar 15, 2015
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