What Is Good To Put On A Herpes Cold Sore

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores and Genital Herpes)

What Is Herpes? Herpes simplex refers to a group of viruses that infect humans. Like herpes zoster (shingles, see Fact Sheet 509 ), herpes simplex causes painful skin eruptions. Itching and tingling are usually the first signs, followed by a blister that breaks open. The infection stays dormant in nerve cells. This is called "latency." However, it can become active again with no warning. Herpes can be active without symptoms or visible signs....

Ask the Experts

cold sores = genital herpes?

are they both the same virus? aren't they two different simplex herpes types? in oral sex, can someone with a cold sore on the lips transmit the herpes virus to another person and have it manifest as genital herpes and/or lip cold sores (even...

Response from Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W

Columbia University's Health & Related Services

There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that are categorized as HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 generally causes what are commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters: those uncomfortable, sometimes painful bumps you get around your mouth that... Read more »

cold sore as an early sign of HIV infection?

Mr. Sowadsky-- About six months ago, I had sex with an old boyfriend, andalthough I do remember using condoms with him, I'm not sure because I was extremely intoxicated. At anyrate, this summer I had an outbreak of cold sores on my nose after a...

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.

Nevada State Health Division AIDS Program

Hi. Thank you for your question.Cold sores are due to the Herpes Simplex viruses. A person can have theherpes viruses and NOT have HIV. They are two seperate infections.Stress (both physical and emotional), can activate the herpes viruses, andlead... Read more »

Cold Sores and HIV Infection

Hey Dr. Rob-I"m a huge fan of You and your organization, and I want to start off by saying "thank-you" for all that you do. I'll be sending my semi annual donation very soon! :)Okay-here is my concern. I recently went to a bath...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello CGM (Concerned Gay Male),You are correct: the overall risk of HIV transmission from oral sex is low. Can having an active herpes outbreak increase your chances of acquiring HIV? Yes, it is possible, particularly if you had open herpes sores or... Read more »

old cold sore and oral sex

Dear Ryan,I, too, must thank you for the invaluable information and insightful advice your provide in this forum. My concern is this:Last night, I received oral sex (I was the insertive partner) from a man. He had sucked my penis a few (2-3) minutes...

Response from Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W

Columbia University's Health & Related Services

It is difficult to say if you were exposed to herpes simplex virus 1 (presuming that HSV-1 was the cause of the sore you saw on his lip) because it is possible that the sore was no longer infectious. It is possible to transmit HSV-1 to the genital... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

cold sores....

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Hi all,Iam unaware of my hiv status, about 3 months ago(while under alot of stress) i got tiny white bumps on my upper lip and some in the corner of my mouth, I thought that it might of been cold sores, but 3 months later they haveint grown,they... Read more »

STD? cold sores, herpes???

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

i've seen how cold sores are active in hiv poz individuals. but i thought cold sores were common in people with a herpes strain? and the cold sores would be were you came into contact with the herpes virus. ie you won't get herpes on your lip if... Read more »

cold sore/pimple?

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

could a cold sore on the upper be lip at first be confused as a pimple? and would it indicate hpv if a cold sore, or does hpv show as clusters? Read more »

cold sores

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I'm still waiting to test. One more week to go. I had a curiousity question for you guys. I carry the herpes virus that gives me cold sores. Although since the the time I could have potentially become infected, I haven;t had one occur. Usually when... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>