Possible to Spread to other parts of body? Cold sore has changed location.

[JJmom3]

I have seen pictures of people with HSV-1 on their body. Not just their mouth.  
1) Is it possible to spread to other parts of your body?

I have been getting a cold sore at the same location for years but recently I got one in a different spot. It happenned twice now.
2) Did I spread it to another part of my lip?

Also the frequency has increased with them.  I used to get them maybe 3 times a year.  Now I get them more.  The last 9 months 6 times already.
3) What is making them increase? Is the virus getting stronger or worse?

[KEMTX]

Question for you Grace (@gracefromhpp). So hsv1 can randomly pop up in different spots on your lip and this does NOT mean you spread it? I've been getting cold sores for a little over a year in the left corner of my mouth. Now I appear to be getting one in the right corner of my mouth. Everything I've read says auto inoculation after the primary infection is rare. Also everything I've read says you should have recurrences in generally the same spot. You mentioned you're not a doctor and this is not the doctors forum, but I see you've responded to a lot of hsv inquiries. What is your background regarding hsv research/knowledge? Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

topical lysine doesn't do much at all for cold sores :(

Yes your cold sores can move from one place to another but with the frequency of symptoms I'd go be seen and they can do a bacterial culture plus get a good look at things.

This is not the doctors forum. You have to pay for their advice on their forum.  they never come here since they don't get paid to answer questions here.

grace

[JJmom3]

THANK YOU GRACE:)

Do the doctors ever respond or do they depend on you.

No but I do have the Lysine Plus ointment and the Rx one also.

What kind of other work up can they do? HSV-1 is HSV-1 right?

It is HSV-1. the Valtrex does work when I feel one coming on.  


Just to clarify.  A cold sore can move from one location to another. It's not that it's spreading.

[gracefromHHP]

If you are gettin them this close together then it's time for a further work up. Make sure that it's indeed all hsv1 orally going on and not a skin infection or allergic reaction going on.  

Have you tried aveeno cold sore ointment with propolis in yet?

grace

[JJmom3]

I really haven't talked to my doctor about it.  He just gives me a Rx and sends me on my way.  It's not his fault mine really since I don't ask.  
In the past 8 months I've gotten ALOT more than usual so now I think I'm super sesitive about it and paranoid too.  I've had HSV-1 for 12 years now and I have never been as freaked out about it as I have been lately.  Maybe I'm just worried about transmiting it to my loved ones.
I did just finish nursing school with 3 kids under 6 so yeah things have been stressful.  

One just healed and now I have ANOTHER one in the same spot.
Did I not do something right? Very frustrating.
I took the Valtrex for the 1st time, May 17th.  WHY! Any suggestions would be awesome!
Is there a good everyday chapstick to use that you would recommend?

Once again, just to clarify.  A cold sore can move from one location to another. It's not that it's spreading.

[gracefromHHP]

Your hsv1 oral infection gives you significant protection against contracting hsv1 on other body parts. it's very unlikely to happen at this point.

You didn't spread your hsv1 - oral herpes can cause obvious symptoms anywhere from the chin area up into the nose area. Even though this isn't the "usual" spot you get cold sores in - it's just the virus acting normally.

why the increase in frequency? Well it could be something in your life that is irritating things - any new make ups or skin cleansers or anything? Have you talked to your doctor about suppressive therapy for awhile to get it back under control?

grace