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Can One Contract HSV-1 Through Open Sores?
Question: Is HSV-1 contagious if there is no open sore, or is a person also contagious if there is a sore that has not opened?
Brief Answer:
Intact skin is not contagious whereas mucosa is contagious, even if intact
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query and I have noted your concern.
Hsv-1 can be contagious even if the mucosa (e.g labial mucosa, genital mucosa) is intact, however, presence of a sore makes it even more contagious because amore virus would be shed. Therefore, presence of an active episode of Hsv makes it more contagious than at other times when the mucosa is intact.
Unlike mucosa, intact skin is not contagious for Hsv-1 because skin is tough and Hsv cannot penetrate intact skin. Only skin which is broken, is contagious.
Regards
Intact skin is not contagious whereas mucosa is contagious, even if intact
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query and I have noted your concern.
Hsv-1 can be contagious even if the mucosa (e.g labial mucosa, genital mucosa) is intact, however, presence of a sore makes it even more contagious because amore virus would be shed. Therefore, presence of an active episode of Hsv makes it more contagious than at other times when the mucosa is intact.
Unlike mucosa, intact skin is not contagious for Hsv-1 because skin is tough and Hsv cannot penetrate intact skin. Only skin which is broken, is contagious.
Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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