likely hood of recurrence in specific location

[Shan]

Hi – I’ve had HSV1 for 35 years. Every couple of years I get an outbreak on my nose. For the first time ever, I got an outbreak on the corner of my mouth (lip). It’s taking forever to heal (over a month). Any idea what the likely hood of recurring outbreaks in this new area is? I’m nervous to (after it’s completely healed) be intimate with my husband. Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

It is completely normal for HSV one to move around the oral area and show up in different places. I also have oral HSV one and sometimes I get outbreaks on my lip or in my nose or in the corner of my mouth. At least I did before I started taking Valtrex daily. Do you know that your husband is negative for if he has not been tested that might be a good idea. And the risk of transmission is from your mouth to his penis not through intercourse.

Terri

[Shan]

Thanks Terri!

I’m also worried about kissing my kids – I know it’s not spread through normal kissing from parent to child without a cold sore present, but what if I’m shedding without knowing (since previous outbreaks were on my nose I didn’t worry as much about my lips touching say their cheeks or hands)?

Is it more risky now during the next 6 months (due to the new location) or not really because I’ve had it for so long? Thanks Terri!

[Shan]

And just to confirm, there really isn’t any data on if I can expect recurrences in this new location or the previous one, correct (or both, or new ones)? Thanks again.

[Terri Warren]

It is not more risky now because it’s moved to a new location, no.
There is no data to say where you might have another outbreak, no, you are correct.
Shedding facially happens from the lips and inside the nose – not the rest of your face, but really, without an outbreak, kind of inside the lip where the tissues are very thin

Terri

[Author]

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