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Doctor insights on:
Are Cold Sores Contagious When Scabbed
1
Are cold sores still contagious when they're gone?
Not once the : Skin has fully healed. But they are contagious in all forms of the active lesion. ...Read more
Cold Sore (Definition)
Also referred to as fever blisters, cold sores are small and painful fluid-filled blisters that are usually found around the lips. Cold sores are very contagious and can be spread by mouth-to-mouth contact and to the genitals, causing genital ...Read more
2
Cold sore - how contagious are they?
Quite contagious: Cold sores can be spread by touching cold sores, kissing, sharing glasses, silverwear, toothbrushes or other personal items. ...Read more
3
Are all cold sores herpes?
Yes: But are all cold sores properly labeled and diagnosed ...THAT is the question! ...Read more
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4
Are cold sores and fever blisters caused by herpes simplex 1?
Cold sores - HSV1: Yes - cold sores and fever blisters are the same thing and are most commonly caused by HSV-1. Rarely, HSV-2 can cause oral herpes given the increased practices of oral sex compared with decades ago (i.e. the 1950s). You will note STRESS causes these to come out (for example after a fever from another illness), so best to keep stress levels to an absolute minimum. These are infectious to others BTW ...Read more
5
Are cold sores the herpes virus?
Yes: These can beither HSV1 or HSV2 strain. There are a number of HSV strains. ...Read more
6
Do cold sores always surface?
Yes: A cold sore is described as being visible so if it is a cold sore, it surfaces. ...Read more
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7
How are cold sores, fever blister, mouth sore, and herpes different?
See Link: http://www.happy-with-herpes.com/herpes-in-mouth-symptoms.html.
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8
At what stage do cold sores become contagious?
Herpes: Asymptomatic shedding is very real and one of the biggest reasons why it's possible for people with herpes to pass herpes virus on to a sexual partner without having any signs or symptoms. That's pretty much what asymptomatic means: you can't see or feel that the virus is present and active on the surface of the skin. Thus, the person with herpes is always contagious. ...Read more
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9
How are cold sores different from canker sores?
Many differences: Canker sores and cold sores are common disorders of the mouth, irritating millions of americans. Although many people use the terms canker sore and cold sore synonymously, they are different conditions. Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and are contagious while canker sores cause is unclear and is not considered contagious. ...Read more
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10
Cold sore scar is contagious?
Cold sores are: Reported to be contagious until the lesion actually heals over. ...Read more
11
How contagious are cold sores if they are open vs closed?
No: They are most contagious when a scab cracks open and fluid oozes out. But, it is contagious through all phases. It is not contagious once the skin has healed. ...Read more
12
If shingles are scabbed are they contagious still?
No: Once they're all scabbed, they're no longer contagious. ...Read more
13
Are cold sores supposed to hurt?
Yes: Unfortunately, cold sores can be painful.
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14
Are cold sores contagious only when they are open or all the time?
NO, unfortunately: They are contagious through all phases until the skin has healed. They are most contagious with an open & oozing sore. ...Read more
15
How are cold sores (herpes simplex) and canker sores different?
Canker vs Cold Sore: Here is a great comprehensive answer to your question: http://www.Uhs.Umich.Edu/coldcankersores. ...Read more
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16
I have herpes zoster, are liquids in the blisters contagious?
Yes!: Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a contagious viral infection. It is a reactivation of the varicella virus that causes chickenpox. You would be contagious to someone who who has never had chickenpox before or has never been vaccinated. You should keep the area covered at all times and wash your hands often. Stay clear of pregnant women, infants and immunocompromised people. ...Read more
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17
Are canker sores contagious?
NOT contagious: 'cold sores' are caused by virus=herpes simplex. Canker sores are associated with dental work, extra brushing, mouth injuries, spicy or acidic foods. Toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate have been implicated. Canker sores may also occur in immunosuppressed patients(or hiv). Also noted are food sensitivities: chocolate, coffee, strawberries, nuts, cheese and acidic foods, e.g. Pineapple. ...Read more
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18
How are blisters and cold sores different?
Same: If you are referring to "fever blisters" and "cold sores" they are different names for the same thing, caused by virus (herpes). ...Read more
19
Do cold sores usually hurt?
Yes: Cold sites hurt due to the damage caused by the viral outbreak. The initial tingly stage, called a prodrome, progresses to a vesicular, or blistering, outbreak which is quite painful. Once the vesicles burst, the lesion scabs and generally is no longer painful. Total time 7-14 days. ...Read more
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Are cold sores and fever blisters the same thing?
Yes: Cold sores and fever blisters are terms people use to describe a viral infection which usually affects the lips. The most common cause is by the hsv1 virus. They can be treated with anti-viral medications. An episode typically lasts about 10-15 days. ...Read more
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21
Is a cold sore on the lip still contagious after it has scabbed over? I have also taken Valtrex (valacyclovir)
Still contagious: Even it has scabbed over, the herpes virus can always be contagious, although it is most contagious immediately before an active outbreak of blisters. Less contagious if it is scabbed comparing to blisters. ...Read more
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22
Is it true that cold sores are contagious?
Yes, very: Cold sores, are caused by the herpes virus, and appear initially as small clear bubbles on the lip, roof of the mouth, or the gum near the teeth. These vesicles rupture and leave small, painful ulcers. These are very catagious and you can spread them to other parts of your body. So don't touch the sore with your finger! use a cotton-tipped swab to touch it, if you must, and throw it away! ...Read more
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23
Is it true that cold sores are contagious?
Yes: The herpes simplex virus is transmissible.
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24
How contagious are cold sores if they are open vs closed?
No: They are most contagious when a scab cracks open and fluid oozes out. But, it is contagious through all phases. It is not contagious once the skin has healed. ...Read more
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I think my boyfriend gave me cold sores. How contagious are they?
Unlikely: You probably got it from yourself, not your boyfriend. Most adults are already infected with hsv-1, which is typically acquired in childhood. But if this is truly your very first cold sore, then maybe you did get it from him. ...Read more
26
At what stage do cold sores become contagious?
Herpes: Asymptomatic shedding is very real and one of the biggest reasons why it's possible for people with herpes to pass herpes virus on to a sexual partner without having any signs or symptoms. That's pretty much what asymptomatic means: you can't see or feel that the virus is present and active on the surface of the skin. Thus, the person with herpes is always contagious. ...Read more
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27
Are cold sores still contagious when they're gone?
Not once the : Skin has fully healed. But they are contagious in all forms of the active lesion. ...Read more
28
What is a good way to cure cold sores that have already scabbed?
You can't: Keep them moist with a lip balm/lubricant that is only for your personal use. If using your fingers to apply be sure to wash thoroughly and avoid finger/eye contact. ...Read more
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Are cold sores contagious only when they are open or all the time?
NO, unfortunately: They are contagious through all phases until the skin has healed. They are most contagious with an open & oozing sore. ...Read more
30
If your partner has cold sores, can you get them too? Are they contagious?
Cold Sores: can be contagious. It is possible to transmit from one person to another. But - most people have been exposed to the virus by your age. ...Read more
31
my hubby gets alot of cold sores are they contagious I have started getting more since I met him. I used to get them occasionally. Could it a flare?
Yes: Cold sores are cause by the HSV-1 virus, and can be passed on via kissing, etc. things like stress, illness, lack of sleep, or anything that lowers your immune system can cause a flare, which is not a new infection, but the old infection resurfacing. We are never truly free of the virus once we get it, but you are in good company, since most adults do test + for HSV-1 antibodies! ...Read more
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32
How can you get rid of cold sores that scabbed?
Near the end..: If you have cold sores that have crusted over...Then they are on their way out. The cycle is generally about 14 days. Hang in there and don't pick at em or put anything on them. ...Read more
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How long are cold sores contagious after taking valtrex (valacyclovir)?
As long as sore is : ...Visible. Cold sores are contagious at all stages from the tingling stage to the weeping stage to the scabbing and healing stage. They are most contagious at the weeping stage when fluid comes out. Valtrex (valacyclovir) may shorten the duration of infection, but if the sores are still healing they are contagious. ...Read more
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Are cold sores only contagious if they have opened and are leaking fluid?
NO, they are : Contagious as long as there is a lesion. They are most contagious when split open & oozing. They are not contagious once the skin has fully healed. ...Read more
35
Does any research support the use of lysine to treat cold sores? Are cold sores contagious? Can I safely kiss my partner when sores are present?
Oral herpes: I am not aware of any research about lysine and cold sores. Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes virus. Contact with the active cold sores will transmit the herpes virus to your partner. But when crusts form on cold sores, they stop being contagious. ...Read more
36
How long until cold sores are not contagious. My bfs scabs came off but we aren't sure if he is still contagious or not. How will we know for sure?
Herpes: People with herpes are contagious at varying and unpredictable rates whether they have sores or not. I am sorry. ...Read more
37
I have hsv-1 (cold sores) and I have never had an outbreak or felt symptons. I wanted to know if im contagious to my family and life partner.
Possibly: 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 your immune system. Shedding of the viruses can occur with out an obvious lesion. ...Read more
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38
Are cold sores on a lip contagious ? What if it's your husband who has it but you don't want to get infected?
Yes they are contagi: Cold sores are caused by Type 1 Herpes Simplex Virus and are contagtios.Avoid kissing as long as there are active sores ...Read more
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39
I'm aware that you get cold sores on your mouth but is it only contagious when there is an outbreak or all the time?
There is some: possibility of spreading a cold sore even when there is not an active lesions. ...Read more
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I was wondering if cold sores are only contagious during an outbreak? I just recently had an outbreak and didn't know I had the herpes virus. I am visiting my boyfriend next week, I am hoping it will be gone by then and I was wondering if it is gone is it
Herpes simplex: Anyone who has had "cold sores", assuming that these were herpetic lesions, may be shedding virus even in the absence of open lesions. This is not, of course, a guarantee that you are spreading it, but a high probability that your intimate partner has become infected. Worldwide, the rate of HSV infection is around 90%. ...Read more
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