
Is A Red Spot Post Recovery From Cold Sore Contagious?

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 (on the corner of my top lip) . 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? The red spot has been there for at least 3-4 days now
Thank you
My cold sore has gone through the scabbing stage, but I still have a red spot left where the cold sore was (on the corner of my top lip) . 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? The red spot has been there for at least 3-4 days now
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
Cold sores are infective only if the lesion is fresh and there is liquid oozing out from that.
Just touching the lesion doesn't mean that infection will spread. However saliva may still carry the virus.
In your case washing of hand is enough to prevent spread.
Just relax he is safe.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
Cold sores are infective only if the lesion is fresh and there is liquid oozing out from that.
Just touching the lesion doesn't mean that infection will spread. However saliva may still carry the virus.
In your case washing of hand is enough to prevent spread.
Just relax he is safe.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


Hi thank you Dr. XXXXXXX
The thing is isnt it odd that the red spot has a slight shooting pain? does that mean its still a contagious red spot?
and also my boyfriend didnt get a chance to wash hands right away? does that mean I have transmitted to his finger and its going to spread where ever he touches on his body parts?
The thing is isnt it odd that the red spot has a slight shooting pain? does that mean its still a contagious red spot?
and also my boyfriend didnt get a chance to wash hands right away? does that mean I have transmitted to his finger and its going to spread where ever he touches on his body parts?
Brief Answer:
He is safe
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Pain might be there for a week due to irritation of nerve.
Pain does not mean presence of active infection.
Just relax even if he has touched other parts of body the chance of infection is not much.
The virus needs a breach in skin to cause infection.
Just relax.
Let me know if you have any other side effects.
Thank you
He is safe
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Pain might be there for a week due to irritation of nerve.
Pain does not mean presence of active infection.
Just relax even if he has touched other parts of body the chance of infection is not much.
The virus needs a breach in skin to cause infection.
Just relax.
Let me know if you have any other side effects.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T


Thank you Doctor XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee

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