Does sharing lip gloss spread oral herpes virus?

Question

Hi doctor,

If I buy used lip gloss with an applicator that dips into the bottle, could there be any worrisome that bacteria or viruses from the previous user's lips withstand the cosmetic preservatives? I am worried, especially about the oral herpes virus. I keep reading the conflicting information about the hardiness of this virus. Please explain.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Infection can be transferred from one individual to another if we use a lip gloss used by a person suffering from any kind of infection. Usually, the lips do not act as a carrier site for any microorganism. An organism that causes the infection is usually manifested clinically. But, the commensal flora from the oral cavity and saliva if come in contact can transfer through lip gloss. Also, some companies added antibacterial substances and some preservatives to lip gloss, which prevents the growth of bacteria in that product.

Regarding your query about the herpes virus, this virus is present in a silent state in the nerve ganglion, and when it causes infection manifests clinically as a vesicle and eruption on the oral mucosa and surrounding lips also. So, if the person whose lip gloss you wanted to use is suffering or suffered from herpes can transfer the virus to you. If you are having the complete health information (infection) of a person, then you can share a lip gloss. Otherwise, please avoid it.