Cold sore in different location, suddenly?! Help Please!!

[MandGsMommy]

Without reiterating my posting history, I would just like to ask another question in regard to oral herpes (cold sores). I have an outbreak once every 3 weeks or so (when not pregnant- I am currently just over 34 weeks with #3) in several locations on my *bottom* lip *only*. They are always in one or more spots, sometimes at same time, but always in those exact locations, and only the bottom lip. Now, suddenly,  and for the first time ever, I might be  getting a cold sore on my top lip, sort of on the inside of the lip. It is my understanding that this does not occur, especially in long standing infections.   Does it seem likley that I somehow picked up a primary infection of the *other strain* ( whatever I don't have... I'm assuming hsv1, but who knows?)? This is one of my biggest fears, as I won't have time to seroconvert and pass on antibodies to my unborn child. I am terrified of a neonatal herpes infection being passed from me (or anyone, for that matter) through kisses to my newborn baby. Any advice would bemuch appreciated.

[MandGsMommy]

Thank you very much. I appreciate it. The lesions that occure are most definitely cold sores- I have classic symptoms each and every time. For me, they are hormonally and stress induced. I  have been getting them for about the last 6-7 years now. They weren't always this frequent, but they have been since right before I got pregnant with my first. I even have outbreaks at least 3-4 times during pregnancy. This sore on the top lip is mostly on the inner mucus membrane, but really *just* on the inside, bordering the outside. It is tiny, not suer painful, abd started today, feeling like a little cut. It is now a tiny red bump with a snall white spot. Different than my usual cold sore symptoms, but a sore none-the-less, and it's only just starting. It looks a little worse than it feels, but I'm very scared. You think it could be the same infection? I have been under a lot of stress recently. Again, my biggest fear is a primary infection of a new strain right before the birth of my baby. I recently saw a dermatologist, and will begin Valtrex after my 36th week of pregnancy.

[HowardH]

It is true that most recurrent herpes is in more or less the same place each time. But it is untrue that "this does not occur".  There are plenty of exceptions, so this new lesion could be the same problem. OTOH, recurrent herpes doesn't usually occur inside the lip. More likely this isn't herpes at all, just a canker sore.

I'm skeptical you're having oral herpes as often as every 3 weeks. Such frequent outbreaks are very rare -- 2-3 times a year is more common. You may want to see your doctor the next time it happens for confirmation of the diagnosis, maybe including a new viral swab test from the lesion(s).