Shaving with herpes2

[Held1111]

I shaved my shaft and balls(sorry to be so blunt) with my face razor tonight , small scab over of a small outbreak from last week . I have a few questions. What are the transmission risk from shaving my genitals? I mean I used my face razor if I go to shave tomorrow can I spread to from my genitals to my razor to my face and get herpes on my face? Grabbing my shaft while shaving around the area can I spread it to my hands? Shaving my shaft and creating a small open cut around a healing outbreak and then shaving my balls and creating a open cut can I spread it from my shaft to my balls? I've had hsv2 for 5 years now keep in mind. If I have sex tonight with potential open cuts( from shaving) can I increase the risk of transmission to a non herpes partner with no protection because I have potential open cuts? Thank you

[gracefromHHP]

actually there are research articles showing that you can still detect the virus and grow it even in the scab stage which is why I said what I said.  

[Life360_Dave]

Just to clarify, the below reply from Dr. Hook on the subject, he states that when the sore is healed (i.e scabbed over) its not contagious most of the time. But as Grace mentions it would be best to wait until its entirely gone to lesson any risk.

www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Could-I-have-gotten-herpes/.../952541‎

[gracefromHHP]

you should never use the same razor you use on your face to shave your genitals :(  what is normal bacteria in each area, isn't so normal in the other area.  this is good info whether you have genital or oral herpes or both.

at this point, toss this razor ( or take out the blade if non-disposable , soak it in soapy water and put in a fresh blade ).  

yes, the "trauma" of shaving can trigger more shedding to potentially transmit the virus to a partner.   you should avoid sex at this point until the skin is all healed.  

the above info that once herpes is scabbed it is no longer transmittable is also incorrect. the virus is still active even when scabbed which is why we recommend waiting until the skin is back to normal before resuming sexual activity after an ob.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, hsv2 is considered sexually transmitted and would need direct skin to skin contact to be at risk. You cant transfer it from the razor or your hands to your face. To many variables come into play with this type of transfer,
Once the sore scabs over it is no longer transmittable. Always use a condom with sex unless the person already has the same hsv as you and is a long term partner.