Auto-Innocubation of herpes virus

I had herpes type 1 and type 2 for almost a year. I understand that auto-innocubation only exist in the first episode of outbreak.

But herpes infection in the eyes still quite frightened me. After a period of one year, If i touch my sores, either oral sores or genital sores and then touch directly to the eyes, is there any possible chances of infection in this manner?

There is one time recently where after urinating, i forgot to wash my hands and remove my contact lens, is there any chances my eyes will be infected through urine or genital sores?

Of course one wouldn't possibly to that, but sometimes might be due to carelessness. Please kindly advise me, thanks. Your advise would be greatly appreciated.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

All I can do is repeat what you already know:  auto-inoculation is rare except in initial HSV infections.  I have never seen a case of newly acquired ocular herpes or other auto-inoculation herpes in a person with recurrent genital herpes.  Given how common genital HSV-2 infections are (25% of the population) and how frequently people touch their genitals (without necessarily washing afterward) and then touch their faces, it is obvious the risk of transmission to the eyes or elsewhere is miniscule.

Common sense says that everyone should wash their hands every time they use the toilet, whether or not they have herpes--every kindergartner knows it.  But the occasional lapse probably carries no risk to speak of.  I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Good luck--  HHH, MD