Redness left from cold sore contagious, please help?

Okay so I have major OCD when it comes to cold sores (HSV1).  Due to stress I got one last Sunday, but I took Antivirals & use Abeva 5-10 times a day.  Well the scab has been completely gone for probaly 3-4 days now (very small cold sore)  & since it was above my lip a bit it still has a slight red mark where it has healed.  I won't wear makeup, even let my hair touch it, or hold the end of my ciggarettes, & worst is let my husband even kiss me :(....

So when can I return to normal, Is this new skin contagious.  Can we kiss again/get intimate, can I wear lipstick or foundation without the risk of it spreading.  UGH  this is very debilitating.  Please help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Herpes simplex infections esp HSV 1 is contagious. The virus is spread from person to person by kissing or other close contact with sores or even from contact with apparently normal skin that is shedding the virus. Infected saliva is also a means of transmitting the virus.

Although the risk of transmission is greatest when you have active sores but it can also be transmitted when there are no active sores. So even if a person does not have a sore, risk of transmission is there.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.