Transmission concern

[Ashkac]

Hello, I am in the process of determining if some lip irritation I have been experiencing is HSV.

I currently have what I thought was a pimple on the skin above my lip (right side); it is growing in size with a white head to it. While visiting family, a relative gave me a hug and brief kiss on the opposite (left) cheek.

If this “pimple” turns out to be a cold sore, is it possible that my relative could get HSV from giving me a peck on the opposite cheek?

[Terri Warren]

No. If your lip issue IS herpes, it didn’t come into contact with your relative. Also, the check is very thick skin and a simple kiss, even if it was herpes, would not transmit the virus to thick, intact skin.

Terri

[Ashkac]

Hi Terri,

Thank you so much for your reply. As a follow up question, can the cheek be a location for shedding of the virus? The second part of your response addresses transmission from someone with HSV on lips to cheek, but I’m wondering about the opposite direction.

[Terri Warren]

Without a lesion on the cheek, the same principle applies – the skin of the cheek is too thick for virus to be shed without a lesion

Terri

[Author]

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