DermTV - How Long Are Cold Sores Contagious [DermTV.com Epi #397]

Almost everyone has cold sores. But when are they contagious? In this episode of DermTV, Dr. Schultz answers this question.

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[TRANSCRIPT]

A viewer with recurring cold sores asked if she was still contagious because she had a sore that was 11 days old. The scab was gone but the area was red and slightly sore. She wanted to know: When was it ok to kiss her partner again, without risk of spreading the virus. For anyone who has cold sores, it's so important to know when they're contagious and when they're not, which is what I'm going to discuss now.

To be clear, cold sores, which are the same as Herpes outbreaks, consist of tiny blisters on the lip, or elsewhere on the face, and are caused by the Herpes virus. These outbreaks can be rare, happening just once in a lifetime or recurring, happening a few times each year. And yes, it's the same family of virus that causes genital herpes, but today I'm only talking about facial sores.

So when are you no longer contagious? If you don't treat this viral infection with oral antiviral pills, then by the time the scab or crust comes off it's usually not contagious. That can take a week or longer. And that applies whether you don't treat it at all or you treat it with topical products. But if you are treated with oral antivirals like Valtrax or Famvir, then by the fourth day after the treatment is finished, it's usually not contagious.

And here's some good news: Newer treatment schedules often require only one day of pills!

But regardless of your treatment, remember that the Herpes virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact. During an outbreak, the way you can spread your virus is by the part of your face or lip with the outbreak touching your partner's skin, regardless of where on your partners body your sore touches. But as long as you and your partner are careful during that short contagious period, these outbreaks need not any meaningful impact on both of your lives.

[ABOUT DERMTV]

Everyone can have beautiful, healthy, and younger looking skin, and DermTV, the Internet's daily skincare video show, will demonstrate how by revealing expert tips and techniques and by providing real solutions for real skincare issues.

Skincare (whether cosmetic or medical) previously required a trip to your dermatologist or a shopping spree at the pharmacy. And that's if you have a trusted nearby dermatologist or a local informed pharmacy. But not anymore. We at DermTV are committed to making best-in-class dermatology and skincare guidance accessible to everyone, anytime, at your computer.

Every weekday, our host, Dr. Neal Schultz, one of New York's most trusted and respected dermatologists (see bio below), teaches skincare's most timely and timeless issues. Topics include: the best at home techniques and new technology for facial rejuvenation, preventing and fixing sun damage from wrinkles to skin cancer, breaking news in dermatology, general skincare topics, and more.

TAGS:
"cold sore" "cold sores" herpes std skin skincare "skin care" dermtv "dr. schultz" doctor dermatologist dermatology health medicine beauty

[egbunuutenwojo]

I was diagnose of hsv1 / 2 then I taught that was the road for me as as a breastfeeding mother I was latter cured when I came across dr odija channel I can never forget his kindness towards my life thanks doc....

[saiduadamu]

Humbly appreciate your kind gesture Dr odija channel, you have always able to help with any health issues, the herpes virus was something the world thought has no cure but I'm happy to say today that I've been cured and I'm glad to have you as my doctor🌱🌱🌱.

[raiyanmaska]

I wonder what could have become of me if you weren't the one who came to an interval in my life. Thank you for curing my Hsv1&2 naturally Doctor Orias. I immensely appreciate you

[sirajoyunusa]

My heart just keeps thanking you and thanking you Dr odija for all you have done for me, you gave me your words that you could heal any sickness or disease, thank you for permanently curing me of herpes you are amazing

[Ravinthein]

I used to get 4+ coldsores a month then after changing my diet my cold sores went away! I get them maybe one every six months now, especially if I'm stressed or sick. I stopped eating red meat/birds, I now only eat fish (I love fish!) and lots of fresh fruit and veg, grains and some supplements. I learned that I have food allergies so I stay away from those foods. Definitely look into the possibility of food allergies, they tend to be related to things like asthma and eczema. Take Omega 3 caps!

[ogebuleadetola]

Great experience doc, you are a God'sent dr odija on Youtube, keep up the good work, I am completely free from Herpes virus, , 💛

[angldrps]

unfortunately there is no permanant cure for cold stores.

[donnahernandez]

why do cold sores appear in the same place?

[oshinsr]

Just b/c someone has labial herpes doesn't mean they also have genital herpes or that they contracted herpes sexually. People kiss and that is why almost everyone carries the virus for labial herpes. Most of the time the virus is dormant in the spine. Not everyone gets outbreaks. And honestly, in this world, a large number of people have had occasions of STIs. You just need to look outside of your bubble. People outside of your bubble aren't necessarily engaging in "trashy" activities either.

[Alaznel]

Dr. Schultz, what do you think of homemade vitamin c serum ?

[abdulganiyuibrahim]

Thank you for being the right person. I thought it would be Dr odija channel. I was under the belief that you were the right doctor for my herpes virus. I appreciate your good work and commitment. God bless you, , , .

[ejanyijoel]

Great experience doc, you are a godsent dr odija on YouTube, keep up the good work, I am completely free from HSV2

[samlarry]

Keep on the good deeds dr Akpamu may good thing never depart from you for saving me off genital herpes

[aishaanany]

Meeting you dr igho on YouTube channel is like meeting GOD himself because, you did in my life what no doctor can't do. Thank you Dr for helping me Eradicate herpes naturally, keep the Good work on sir

[michaelc.laplate]

Yeah, we went ahead and googled Thorsdak's Cold Sore Cure, it's quite a good read Although the cold sores don't COMPLETELY disappear within 3 days, they do vanish without a trace after 5 days take or give. But then again it could be faster if you follow the program faithfully.

[bosejonathan]

Dr Odija channel like a God in my life because, he appeared to me when I needed him the most. Thank you doctor for curing my Herpes virus..

[barbaraferdinand]

This is the best and safe treatment I have ever had which worked so well in curing my HSV, I believe in Dr Madida and I am indebted to him for giving me this treatment.

[JenniferJoy-msmi]

The unbelievable happened in my life today again and words can't express my joy as I confirmed negative from HSV2 Thank you doc orom on YouTube.💯❤

[barbaraferdinand]

I pray that nature keep on answering to your callings as you have cured my herpes virus  with natural supplements Dr Madida. I am so happy for being well again.

[kingsleyedet]

Thank you dr Igudia on YouTube for all you do, just got my test result today and am now genital herpes virus negative. I will keep letting the world know about your good work sir