Possible infection to oral HSV1 and initial outbreak?

[chetp]

Had a question regarding an experience I had recently, about 13 days ago.  No obvious cold sores on girl's lips.  She claims no history of cold sores, though I know there is a (low) risk of assymptomatic infection/shedding.  

This morning, I had a pink spot on corner of my lip; outside part of lip right on lip line.  Not raised, not painful, not itchy.  Cannot distinguish any obvious vesicles, which would be raised, correct?  And also very noticeably clustered?  Can see some sebaceous cysts and fordyce spots, as well as hair follicles.  In the vicinity, but again they are not "clustered" like you read about. The spot appears to be eroded somewhat, like an abrasion.  Wouldn't call it an ulcer though given lack of pain; looks more like peeled skin.

No fever or other symptoms.  Had a stomach flu last night related to some recent travel.  

Having said all this, my question is how to interpret all this.  

1) Although I have seen some things on symptoms within 3 weeks, considering this would be an initial outbreak (tested negative for HSV1 three weeks ago (before this incident)), symptoms typically show in 2-10 days for initial outbreak/infection?  Also factoring in slimmer possibility of exposure from an assymptomatic partner/shedding.

2)  Considering I do not see any clusters and knowing this would be a first outbreak, wouldn't I be having pain if a cold sore were present and presenting itself?  In other words, is it possible to have this initial presentment without pain, if it were a cold sore (or the beginning thereof)?

3)  Wouldn't I need to see clusters of vesicles for a while before a shallow cut or ulcer like appearance?

Trying to calm my mind some.  Thanks.

[chetp]

Thanks, Life360.

Have a brief follow up.  The pink spot seemed to go away a bit, at least in color.  Though, today, which would be Day 15, I noticed two small circular spot with white borders on that side of the inside part of the lip that peeled open very easily.  Then on the other side, I noticed a pink/red spot on the lower lip right below that along with a similar circular spot, though smaller, that peeled open easily next to a fordyce spot.  There is no some tightness and dryness on that side as well when I try open my mouth.  

I read somewhere that cold sores really don't develop on the corners of the mouth like this.  Also, still no noticeably pain with either.  

Still think I'm good?

[Life360_Dave]

Shedding is not an issue and if she did not have a lip sore i feel your good to go

[chetp]

Thank you.

I spoke with her today and she told me she has no history of cold sores, which I am assuming included last week.  I did not notice any two weeks ago.  

I have seen people with cold sores and this really doesn't look like it.  It's simply a pink patch of skin at corner outside part of lip; no vesicles are identifiable; I'd imagine I would be able to see and feel them if they were there; I've been looking closely!  Also, if I somehow missed it, it would be at the ulcer stage, which I know would be painful, especially for an initial outbreak.  So, I'm comforted knowing I am struggling to see anything and that if I were further on, I would be in pain or would notice it, and also that asymptomatic shedding is very rare.

Fair to say?

I think it's more likely to be an ingrown hair follicle or something that got irritated and nicked when shaving or eating.

Appreciate your help.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, the higher risk to contact hsv1 oral there would need to be hard romantic kissing when she had a lip sore present or at the scabbing stage, With out either the risk from a one time affair would be close to zero. Shedding does occure but not overly. Also this risk is most for young children whose immune systems are not yet strong but for adults we do have some degree of natural protection.
As far as your issue, it does not appear your having an outbreak as those with herpes lip sores are fairly recognizable, and im sure youve seen some one with it at one time. Its a blister that scabs over.

You might want to call your friend and ask if they had a cold sore last week.