Can herpes be spread to others by scratching?

[Jessicatan]

Hi. I have HSV 2 and would like to clear some doubts as I've been quite paranoid for some time. Recently I have a couple or two red spots on my thighs, it could probably be due to itchiness but just to be sure.. I accidentally scratched it quite hard today near that spot area. After a few hours I met my baby niece and lightly by accident scratched her. There is no visible scratches on her hands and will there be any risk of transmission? For example, let's say I have herpes on my hands without knowing esp there's a kind of whitlow that lives beneath the nails? Seriously need some professional advice. Thanks.

[Nickboygirl123go]

Is it possible to catch or get herpes from infected person. Such as getting scratched or scratching blood out of of them either or. And by sharing sweaty sun glasses right after they wear them ?

[twiztedtoothpick]

I have whitlow and am very sure my mom gave it to me. She has break outs all over her arms and shoulders.  She refuses to acknowledge it and scratches it with her fake nails constantly. I am afraid that she will give it to my children because her outbreak never leaves and she refuses to admit the problem. Should I worry?

[ellaguru]

I have a similar concern. My 7 month old nephew spent the weekend. I have an oozing cold sore which I've been washing and rubbing Carmex and vitamin E oil into frequently. I have been washing my hands frequently too. I did not kiss him at all but tried to gently scrape away a crustie near his eye (stupid) and may have caused a tiny scratch on him. Today as he was leaving I noticed a small red spot in that area and I'm freaking out....same paranoia that the virus (from previously rubbing the weeping cold sore) potentially stayed alive under my nail, mixed with small counts of oil, and could have infected him with the possible minor skin abrasion I might have unintentionally inflicted. Should I worry?

[ellaguru]

I have a similar concern. My 7 month old nephew spent the weekend. I have an oozing cold sore which I've been washing and rubbing Carmex and vitamin E oil into frequently. I have been washing my hands frequently too. I did not kiss him at all but tried to gently scrape away a crustie near his eye (stupid) and may have caused a tiny scratch on him. Today as he was leaving I noticed a small red spot in that area and I'm freaking out....same paranoia that the virus (from previously rubbing the weeping cold sore) potentially stayed alive under my nail, mixed with small counts of oil, and could have infected him with the possible minor skin abrasion I might have unintentionally inflicted. Should I worry?

[gracefromHHP]

you don't have herpes whitlow. even if you did, whitlow only sheds when there are active lesions present because the skin on the hands is too thick for the virus to penetrate to the skin without obvious lesions present.

unless you are having intimate sexual contact with someone, your genital herpes isn't an issue.

[Mistakeguy789]

Yes you can... Its called shedding.  But in order to transmit the virus you need to have direct skin to skin contact with an infected area.  However you won't give yourself herpes in a new spot.  You have antibodies that fight the infection.  

[Jessicatan]

In case. Cos researches have shown that even you have, might not show symptoms and can also spread w/o having blisters. Sorry for being so persistent cos that's the only answer I need to know. Quite paranoid so wanna take every preliminary precautions.

[Mistakeguy789]

Need we continue on this line of questioning?  

If you have Herpes Whitlow it would be painful and thus the knowledge of an outbreak would be enough to not touch people.  A scratch does break the skin open and may lead to a transmission at that point but again fleeting contact as that wouldn't be much of a risk for herpes.  You don't have whitlow so let's not ponder such needless questions.

[Jessicatan]

Thanks. It's relieving to hear that. One last doubt to clear. Let's say the hands are infected can it infect others by scratching?

[Mistakeguy789]

Self infection is rare once you have had the infection for awhile.  Your body now has an immune response to fight the infection off.  Its like chicken pox once you get it you now have an immune response to fight the infection again from a new source.

[Jessicatan]

Yeah I understand but what I meant was self infection. Thanks.

[Mistakeguy789]

Where ever you read that is wrong.  It can show up anywhere in the nerves supporting the area you have infected.  IE: Genital HSV is only going to show up where a normal pair of boxer shorts would cover.  It's not like it will show up on your hands or shoulders or chest.  The transmission will come from the direct skin to skin contact with an infected area.  

Read the free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com.  It will give you some great information.

[Jessicatan]

Thanks guys. Cos sometimes I get so paranoid that even when I bathe I'll save the infected area for the last as in afraid friction may cause some risk. It is also said that herpes can appear anywhere without symptoms so I'm afraid even having HSV 2 I might get it elsewhere on my body without knowing. So let's say even if my hands are infected there's no risk cos I'm afraid babies are more feeble? I've once accidentally scratched my friend On the arms and it bled too. Sorry for the long post. I hope there's some reply. Thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

you tried to post on an old post on the std experts forum. your post will not be answered over there. you need to pay to post to them.

this was no risk at all for the baby.  

grace

[Mistakeguy789]

Herpes whitlow is something you get from a herpes infection in a place other than the oral or genital location.  It isn't that the virus lives in/under your nails at all.  

There is very little risk here and in all honesty I would say no risk.  The contact with you had the virus doesn't live long outside of the body and nor on our fingers very well.  So there was really no risk here.