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Your opinion on cold sores...
Dear Doctor,
I am a GWM, 40’s, in a monogamous relationship, and who is (in general) healthy. I have been in a period of heavy strain (Job, moving, etc) that has been a bit of a challenge to me. I recently have gotten a cold sore on my inner lip that has me concerned. I am worried that is might be HSV-1, but am not sure. I have gotten cold sore before (usually when I am stressed-out, when I was younger), but am just a little concerned for some reason. Except for the occasional friendship kiss, and sharing a Chapstick, I have not done any deep kissing to anyone in 3 years. Also (if it matters to you), I has an HSV1/2 screen last winter during my annual health check (both negative).
Do you think I have anything to be concerned with? Should I just relax and let this play out? Should I go see my doctor? (<-- I never know when something is serious enough)
Your guidance is much appreciated.
I am a GWM, 40’s, in a monogamous relationship, and who is (in general) healthy. I have been in a period of heavy strain (Job, moving, etc) that has been a bit of a challenge to me. I recently have gotten a cold sore on my inner lip that has me concerned. I am worried that is might be HSV-1, but am not sure. I have gotten cold sore before (usually when I am stressed-out, when I was younger), but am just a little concerned for some reason. Except for the occasional friendship kiss, and sharing a Chapstick, I have not done any deep kissing to anyone in 3 years. Also (if it matters to you), I has an HSV1/2 screen last winter during my annual health check (both negative).
Do you think I have anything to be concerned with? Should I just relax and let this play out? Should I go see my doctor? (<-- I never know when something is serious enough)
Your guidance is much appreciated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Cold sores and canker sores are not the same thing. Cold sores are caused by herpes and canker sores are not. Yours could be either, given its location, but if you are negative for HSV 1 and and your partner is also, I wouldn't worry about this.
Terri
Terri
Terri,
I sometimes use the word cold sore and canker sore interchangeably, and perhads I should not. The sore was definitely on the inside of my lip and lasted 4 days and then healed (more of an ulcer looking). My doctor has tested once a year for HSV 1 and 2 (I have the test result page in front), Both have been negative.At this point the canker is gone.
Question...is this something I should still go and see him about? Is there any chance that these are caused by stress (I have been in a hell-month)? Do herpes blisters look different than a ulcer (canker sore)?
My partner says he is also negative for HSV 1 and 2 as well (yearly check-ups). So, I am not sure if that is much help as well.
Any advice with these (clarified details)?
Thanks.
I sometimes use the word cold sore and canker sore interchangeably, and perhads I should not. The sore was definitely on the inside of my lip and lasted 4 days and then healed (more of an ulcer looking). My doctor has tested once a year for HSV 1 and 2 (I have the test result page in front), Both have been negative.At this point the canker is gone.
Question...is this something I should still go and see him about? Is there any chance that these are caused by stress (I have been in a hell-month)? Do herpes blisters look different than a ulcer (canker sore)?
My partner says he is also negative for HSV 1 and 2 as well (yearly check-ups). So, I am not sure if that is much help as well.
Any advice with these (clarified details)?
Thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you've gotten cold sores in the past, then you very likely have HSV 1 infection orally. have you ever had one of these swab tested? Are you sure you aren't confusing this with canker sores which are not caused by herpes? Sometimes people get those mixed up and I'm asking because you mentioned that it is on your inner lip. I'm not sure what's up with the HSV 1 and HSV 2 screen. It may be that you are wrong about these being cold sores, or, it could be that the test missed your HSV 1 oral infection. The test routinely misses about 1 out of 10 HSV 1 infections, so it is difficult to say. The herpes western blot through Quest labs picks up a few more HSV 1 infections than the standard screening test.
Are you the giver of oral sex to your partner? Has your partner ever had a cold sore?
I think if you are unsure about this symptom, you should go have it swab tested to be sure about what it is.
Terri
Are you the giver of oral sex to your partner? Has your partner ever had a cold sore?
I think if you are unsure about this symptom, you should go have it swab tested to be sure about what it is.
Terri
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.
