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Do Multiple White Spots On Lips Suggest Herpes Infection?

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Posted on Thu, 30 Jun 2016
Question: Hello Doctor!
I kissed somebody and next day I've had multiple small white dots on my lip.
They also seem to tingle a little.
I saw no cold sores on the persons lips.
He said he had a cold sore as a child but it has never occurred again.
Could I have gotten herpes?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
About HSV 1

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

The incubation period for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV 1) which is the cause of most cold sores, is 2 - 12 days for the first symptoms. So the timing is a bit early. I can't say absolutely for sure that you didn't get it from your friend. You may have already had it and it came out now.

It is possible to get oral herpes from someone who is showing no signs of an outbreak. It's riskier if the person has an outbreak, but you can still get it even if the other person has no signs of it.

The usual first symptoms are some itching or tingling and then clusters of small blisters. You can go to the doctor or urgent care and get acyclovir (and antiviral) which will shorten the course and lessen the severity of your symptoms.

If it is herpes 1 that you have, know that you are not alone. Approximately half of the adult population has this virus - most got it as a young child from receiving a kiss.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 hours later)
I went to the dermatologist today and she said these spots are definitely not herpes.
Is that okay?
Am I in the clear?
I am so scared!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
About HSV 1

Detailed Answer:
That's good news! If you are not currently having symptoms of herpes, your chances of having HSV 1 are no different than any other time you kissed someone.

Not all people who have HSV 1 have much in the way of symptoms. So there isn't anything serious to be worried about here. Often it manifests as kids being exposed (which you may have been too), having a cold sore, or no symptoms at all, and then either having mild outbreaks of cold sores on their mouth, or none.

It's not so worrisome as HSV 2 which usually causes genital herpes.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 minutes later)
Alright! Thank you Doctor!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Have a good night!

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Do Multiple White Spots On Lips Suggest Herpes Infection?

Brief Answer: About HSV 1 Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, The incubation period for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV 1) which is the cause of most cold sores, is 2 - 12 days for the first symptoms. So the timing is a bit early. I can't say absolutely for sure that you didn't get it from your friend. You may have already had it and it came out now. It is possible to get oral herpes from someone who is showing no signs of an outbreak. It's riskier if the person has an outbreak, but you can still get it even if the other person has no signs of it. The usual first symptoms are some itching or tingling and then clusters of small blisters. You can go to the doctor or urgent care and get acyclovir (and antiviral) which will shorten the course and lessen the severity of your symptoms. If it is herpes 1 that you have, know that you are not alone. Approximately half of the adult population has this virus - most got it as a young child from receiving a kiss. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.