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What does recurring cold sore outbreak look like?

Hi,
I recently learned i am infected with hsv1 orally and had my first outbreak about a month and a half ago. I have no idea if this is a recent infection or i always had it. Regardless i want to be able to recognize signs of a recurring outbreaks so i can minimize exposure to my gf. I noticed yesterday(Monday) my lip felt kinda raw and when i looked in the mirror there were two red patches. Now today the redness has subsided and the patches seem to be covered in some whitish looking skin but never any blister formation. I'm curious if and when a recurring outbreak happens, does a blister always form or can it present itself in the form of those symptoms i described or is it more like chapped lips? My gf and i kissed this weekend, not much but a couple times coming and going and now 2-3 days later she's got a very sore throat and I'm concerned ive infected her. Would her symptoms show this quickly? How often do people with cold sores have recurring cold sores? I'm new to this subject so any info will help.
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207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
You'll likely never know the answers to any of these definitively. I know that's frustrating, and I am one that definitely has a NEED TO KNOW all the things, but sometimes we have to let it go and just accept what is. :(
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If it had healed by then does that mean the injury is likely unrelated? Or can the symptoms present themselves in the few days following it being healed?
Yes, it would be likely that it's unrelated if the injury had time to heal. Does it matter though? You possibly had a recurrence. One thing about herpes that you have to deal with is that it recurs. In the end, you may never know why this happens.
I hear ya. I know I'm over obsessing mostly cus I'm concerned for what lies in the future. This was my first OB ever as far as i know. So I'm concerned if it's new what will be my triggers. Will i get another every time i get sick or sun burnt, etc. I've definitely been pretty ill in the past with the flu but never gotten an OB. So will that change? How often do those with hsv1 get obs from having the flu?
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
It's possible, though not as common. Honestly, you'll figure out how your body responds to herpes over time. We aren't able to tell you what is happening on your body. Next time you get something you suspect is in outbreak, have your doc culture it to be sure. This will help you determine what is and isn't an outbreak.
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4 Comments
Thank you for your input. One last question. Something that's been bothering me is determined how and when i got oral herpes. I know it's not something i should fixate on, but it bothers me. About a week before my first outbreak (maybe a couple days more) i had an injury to my lip that caused me to bed heavily when it occurred. Could this have caused a flare up as long as a week after the injury? Or is the injury likely unrelated?
Yes, an injury to the area can trigger an outbreak, but you have to have the virus to get the outbreak. Was your lip still healing when you got the outbreak?

You honestly may never know how you got it. Many with hsv1 orally got it as children, and it could have come from a kiss from a relative, sharing a drink with a friend, sharing toys at day care or nursery school (when kids put every thing in their mouths) or who knows what. The possibilities are almost endless.  
I think my lip had healed by that point. Hard to remember. I just really remember the days before my outbreak my lips felt super dry and chapped
I have been in a long term relationship so i hadn't kissed anyone other than my gf recently. And can't remember sharing any drinks, i typically don't share.
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
What outbreaks look like will vary from person to person and you'll learn over time what yours look like. It's most common to have blisters form, but some may get small cuts. It wouldn't be chapped lips or just red spots.

However, irritation to the area can increase viral shedding, so if you have irritation in the area, you should avoid kissing or performing oral sex.

Do you know if your gf has hsv1? Many people have it and don't know because 90% of those who do never get a cold sore. If she hasn't tested, she should. If she has it, it is highly unlikely that she'd get it again from you. Just avoid oral sex during an outbreak, and it should be fine.

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After 3 days all symptoms seemed to have disappeared. I've read recurring outbreaks are shorter in length compared to the initial one. Could a recurrent outbreak come and go this quickly
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