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Unusual wide spread cold sore outbreak
I have had cold sores off and on my entire life. 2 days ago one popped up in the corner of my mouth, no big deal. then another cluster and another and another. Half of my upper lip and now a cluster on my lower lip. I have not ever had such a large outbreak. I have had vaginal oral sex with 2 different partners over the past month most recently 15 days ago. I have also been spending a large amount of time in the sun and wind over the last 2-3 weeks. Is this just an unusually large outbreak of HSV-1 or could I have contracted oral HSV-2? I have never been tested for either so I assume my normal cold sores are from HSV-1.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No, I seriously doubt that you have acquired HSV 2 orally. By vaginal oral sex, I'm thinking that you mean someone gave you oral sex, yes?
Sun is a major trigger for oral herpes. In fact, it is the only proven trigger for outbreaks. Do you have herpes medication available to treat outbreaks as they begin? Pills? They can make a HUGE difference for cold sores, if taken at the very beginning of an outbreak. If you have a good supply on hand and if you take it when you first notice any signs of an outbreak, these can usually be very effective in limiting an outbreak.
Terri
Sun is a major trigger for oral herpes. In fact, it is the only proven trigger for outbreaks. Do you have herpes medication available to treat outbreaks as they begin? Pills? They can make a HUGE difference for cold sores, if taken at the very beginning of an outbreak. If you have a good supply on hand and if you take it when you first notice any signs of an outbreak, these can usually be very effective in limiting an outbreak.
Terri
A related discussion, Preventing Transmission of HSV was started.
A related discussion, Do I have herpes or not was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes. And you need typing of the virus. For sure. That's why you are going.
Terri
Terri
have Dr appt today. can you advise specific test i need. DNA PCR of the fluid in the blister? thanks for your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, yes it might. I have had those exact symptoms prior to getting a cold sore.
Terri
Terri
Terri, would a large flare up of cold sores make my skin crawl. I keep feeling slight tingling sensations on my head and scalp.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
OK, now I get the pictures. There is some risk of acquiring HSV 2 by giving oral sex but you are correct, it is low. From the appearance of the outbreak, it is not possible to know the type of virus causing your lesions. That can be determined by swab testing the lesions, if you really want to be certain it is not HSV 2. And if you are going to do that, you should do it right away. As lesions get older they have less virus in them.
Terri
Terri
Maybe I messed this up when trying to reply to you. Can you comment on my clarification that I performed oral sex on a female on several occasions prior to this outbreak of cold sores. " I have had vaginal oral sex with 2 different partners over the past month most recently 15 days ago." Thanks
Thanks. I performed oral sex on females. I spent 6 hrs in the sun and wind, 100 mile bike ride, 2 days before the first tingle. I am using Abreva but seeing my doctor next week and will ask about having meds available. this is just a very large outbreak for me so I am trying to figure it out. HSV-2 is a concern even though from the medical studies and write ups I have read my risk of oral HSV2 is low.
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
