HomeAnswersDermatologyherpes simplex virusCan a blister break in a sexual act spread herpes simplex?

Can herpes simplex spread through blisters burst during sexual intercourse?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At April 14, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My partner has recently been told what they believed to be shingles is herpes simplex 2. The rash that appears is on the outside of her thigh opposed to the inner thigh. I have a few questions about this:

  1. Is the only way for them to pass this on through burst blisters during an outbreak, or is it possible to pass it on during sexual activity without an outbreak?
  2. Secondly, as this is on the outer leg, how would she have been originally infected?
  3. Is it still just sexual activity, or is it something different due to the location?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I thoroughly read your query and understand your concern.

Herpes commonly transfers from skin-to-skin contact (from a person with rash or lesions to another person). Very rarely, it can transmit from a person without rash who had herpes in the past to a non-infected person though the probability is very low. It does not get transmitted from inanimate objects. It does not have to be during the sexual activity, but direct skin contact is enough even without the sexual activity.

Hope this has addressed your concern.

Warm regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Nidhin Varghese
Dr. Nidhin Varghese

Dermatology

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