hsv-1 asymptomatic shedding question

[worriedworried123]

Hi Grace,

Just wanted to get some more information on asymptomatic shedding of hsv-1.
From past posts, I've read that shedding for genitals hsv-1 is around the boxer area?  Is this correct?

What about oral hsv-1?  Is this only lips or does this extend to other facial parts such as chin, cheeks, face.

Also if one is shedding, how does transmission occur?  Can it be transmitted from just touching cheek to cheek for example or does it require friction/rubbing for this to occur?  How long can it live on non-membrane body parts such as hands, arms, etc...  

[gracefromHHP]

the skin on the cheek is too thick for the virus to easily penetrate to the surface.  As adults - it's good ole fashioned romantic type kisses that is how the virus is transmitted, not social pecks, "eskimo kisses" or dancing cheek to cheek.  

grace

[worriedworried123]

Thanks Grace and sorry for my impatience.

I guess I'm not understanding asymptomatic shedding very well.  

1.  So if one is orally asymptomatic shedding, and you kiss someone on the cheek, can this transmit the virus?  Or does it require kiss lips to lips?

2.  Also one cannot transfer this from just touching cheek to cheek even during asymptomatic shedding.  Correct?

3.  If one is genitally asymptomatic shedding, it requires touch to mucous membrane or heat/friction with skin to skin contact for transmission?

[gracefromHHP]

genital herpes sheds from the area of the lesion as well as from the anogenital area.  It doesn't shed from the entire boxer short area - the skin in that area that isn't in the anogenital area is too thick for the virus to penetrate to the surface without an obvious lesion present.

Oral herpes also sheds from the mucous membranes - not from the chin area without lesions.

Transmission occurs as far as we know thru direct skin on skin contact when active virus is present. It also takes some heat and friction too we assume.

grace