A member asked:

What are the changes of being infected with oral herpes through lipstick sharing if there seems to be no lesions on the lips?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Very low, not zero: HSV1 is transmitted by direct skin contact, e.g. kissing. The risk via lipstick is very low, especially without a visible oral herpes outbreak. Still, lipstick should never be shared between people. Although HSV transmission is unlikely, the risk isn't zero; and sharing is high risk to transmit colds, influenza, etc. Don't do it.

Answered 8/21/2017

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