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Doctor insights on:
Are Cold Sores Contagious When Scabbed
1
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
Cold Sore (Definition)
Also referred to as fever blisters, cold sores are small, 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 can spread to the genitalia and cause genital ...Read more
2
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
3
Is it true that cold sores are contagious?
Yes: The herpes simplex virus is transmissible.
Get a more detailed answer ›
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
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
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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.
Herpes: Yes. Of course you are. But, unfortunately there is no test that can tell us where and when you are shedding virus and are contagious. We now know that having an outbreak or not is, in no way, predictive of contagion. ...Read more
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
Why do I get a sharp nerve pain constantly where I get cold sores when I don't actually have a cold sore? Does this mean im contagious?
Herpes in the nerve: The herpesvirus remains dormant in the nerve root. Frequently, people feel pain before they break out, as the virus becomes active. I would. Consider yourself contagious and begin your medication when you feel the pain. This is call prodromal pain. See your physician if your symptoms worsen. ...Read more
22
I have been getting these water blisters on my lips for years now. I know they aren't cold sores because they aren't contagious. I need a solution!?
Herpes?: Water blister on lips are most likely herpes type 1 which is contagious. To see if this is the case please see your doctor. A simple test can tell you. By the way there is no cure for herpes. ...Read more
23
Cold sore: used 91% isopropyl alcohol. No longer oozing. Little redness. Dry. Little pain. No visible open sores. How contagious is this?
Consider yourself: Contagious until the sore is totally healed and the drug of choice to prevent or make cold sore heal faster is oral Valtrex (valacyclovir) or acyclovir. ...Read more
24
Can you tell me is herpes simplex virus (causes cold sores) contagous?
YES: If it is expressing any fluid, it is very contagious. ...Read more
25
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
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Scabbed over cold sore, should I be concerned?
Just let it heal: Don't pull off scab. Remember that you remain infectious. ...Read more
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What do you advise if I have a cold sore - contagious?
Yes- cold sores are: Contagious. Your doctor can prescribe Valtrex (valacyclovir) or other antiviral medications to help reduce contagiousness. ...Read more
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Cold sore scar is contagious?
Cold sores are: Reported to be contagious until the lesion actually heals over. ...Read more
29
Please answer me. Is a cold sore directly contagious?
Yes: It is contagious.
Get a more detailed answer ›
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How contagious are cold sore usually in the first day?
It is contageous: If you have a cold sore you do not want to kiss anyone or do anything else or they can get the virus. ...Read more
31
How long would it take until my cold sore stops being contagious?
Once the skin: Lesion has healed. It is contagious in all active forms of the lesion. ...Read more
32
I got a fresh cold sore when I woke up this morning, is it contagious?
Yes: Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Viruses and they are contagious. ...Read more
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Does shedding of a cold sore lesson as years pass. Does a cold sore less contagious after having it for year?
Herpes Information:
I believe you may be operating on old and outdated information. We now know
1. 90% of those infected do not have sores or outbreaks.
2. If you are infected you will shed the virus even without a sore at unpredictable rates and on an unpredictable schedule.
Anyone in relationship who is positive, their sexual partner needs to know their herpes status.
...Read more
34
I started to get a cold sore but it never really blistered and just seemed to recede. Is it still contagious?
No: Unless you have tingling or an active blister, there should be no more viral shedding. ...Read more
35
I've had what I thought was a cold sore for at least a month. It scabbed up about a month ago and is not going away. Could this be something else?
Absolutely: Wounds or sores that do not heal in few weeks need to be usually biopsied and/or treated. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or your PCP to further coordinate this. ...Read more
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Can a cold sore in your nose be contagious if you pick it?
Cold sores: Yes. If the cold sore is painful, it is usually viral as in herpes. If it is an open sore and oozing, it could be strep or staph infection. ...Read more
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I've read that a cold sore is contagious for up to 2 weeks once it's completely healed. Does "completely healed" include the redness that can linger?
WRONG: What you read is wrong. While cold sores are more contagious during an attack, the virus is also shed intermittently between attacks. Most transmission actually occurs when no sore is present. ...Read more
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If you have a cold sore does that mean you have herpes? Is it the contagious kind of herpes?
Yes: Cold sores are painful liquid filled blisters that can occur on the lips, roof of the mouth or the gums which are caused by the herpes simplex virus (hsv-1). ...Read more
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Can a cold sore stay contagious after the scab has come off?
It is no: Longer contagious once the skin lesion has healed. ...Read more