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Are Red Spots After A Cold Sore Contagious?

Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2016

Question: HI there,

My cold sore has gone through the scabbing stage, but I still have a red spot left where the cold sore was. Is that red spot still contagious? I am very worried because my boyfriend accidentally touched it with his fingers for quick couple seconds. I am worried he might be infected? How do I know if the red spot is still contagious?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are contagious until the red spot below dissappears

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The red spot under the scab is also contagious and you shall remain contagious unimtil this red spot dissappears.

I am afraid your boyfriend will have to be tested, but the chances of transmission are indeed low so lets hope he comes out safe.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to write to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)

Hi thank you for replying. The red spot has been there for atleast 3 or 4 days now. so its still contagious until the red spot is completely disappear?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pls do try and attach clear images of the region in speaking

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

Yes, that is usually the case. If you do not mind, please do attach clear pictures of the affected region to our discussion here or email them to me at:

YYYY@YYYY

and please do mention "ATTN: Dr. Shoaib Khan" in the subject line so it can easily be directed to me.

I wish to visually examine the region so that I can make sure whether or not it can be contagious.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (48 minutes later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX I've attached the picture to the question. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Image not too clear, but if I am seeing the right thing,then 40% contagious

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

First of all let me tell you that you do not look a day over 21 years.

The image is not of high quality, and so I have to ask whether you are speaking about the red spot near the edge of your mouth? Is that it? If so, then it does look almost healed, but there still exists a slight possibility of it being contagious.

So to be on the safer side, it would be best for your male partner to get tested in a few days time, just so we know he is safe and healthy.

Now coming to one more thing I wanted to discuss, were you diagnosed with herpes? And if so, have you received any treatment for the same?

Best wishes ma'am

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (24 minutes later)

Yes it is the red spot near the edge of my mouth. that is it, and hopefully that is it. So you are saying that the red spot still have 40% of transmitting?

I went to the doctor, she took a quick look, and just said its hsv 1. No test was suggested. As for treatment, she gave me a prescribed ointment.

Thank you
Dr. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, mildly contagious, but I would also recommend oral anti-viral meds

Detailed Answer:
Hi ma'am.

Yes, a very mild possibility of it being contagious, but not completely clear either.

Your doctor diagnosed you with HSV-1 which is the obvious diagnosis, as the sore was an oral lesion (HSV-2 is around the genitalia). A topical applicant along with oral medication (e.g. acyclovir) should have been advised, so speak to your doctor about the same, as medication can help prevent such outbreaks adds sores.

I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (5 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX , you've been very helpful.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It was my pleasure entirely ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hi ma'am.

Always here to help. Now that I know your medical history, please do not hesitate to write to me again in the future by just addressing the query to my name. Hope you never need my assistance and always enjoy good health.

Best wishes.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar