HSV1

I have recently realized that I got infected with the HPV1 virus. I have had my second outbreak, cold sore on the lower lip recently. I would like to know what the chances are that I infect myself in the genital area if I touch the lesion on my lip and then the genital areas. The first time I had the outbreak I did not realize it was HSV1 and I seem to vaguely remember that shortly after the cold sore I had two bizarre red  lesions on my right upper thigh, close to the genital areas but not in the genital areas. Furthermore, suppose I get infected in the genital area and I have an outbreak in the genital area, what are the chances of recurrence given the cause would be HSV1 and not HSV2? Is it even possible to have HSV1 outbreaks both in the mouth and genital areas? Thank you for clarifying this for me.

[Claudia912]

Can someone please answer this??

[Claudia912]

Can someone please answer this??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Cold sores are usually caused by HSV 1 and genital herpes by HSV 2 but it is not a thumb rule. Although both the viruses are almost similar, the only difference is the site of preference. HSV 1 prefers the orofacial area and HSV 2 the genital area. But it can happen vice versa also. If supposing you are having cold sores, then please don’t do not touch the area during an outbreak. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible with soap and warm water. This will help prevent the virus from spreading further.  When there is any reinfection, usually there is no reactivation of the virus, but if it reactivates (usually happens in low immunity), then it will be more aggressive. You can also have outbreaks of HSV 1 both in the oral and genital areas.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.