Recently Answered Questions
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I kissed my partner before he had a cold sore. Am I at risk?
Query: Hello doctor, My partner has a cold sore. I kissed him before it actually looked like one. I already carry Herpes simplex virus (HSV)1, but I have never had a cold sore. Did I put myself at risk? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Herpes simplex virus (HSV), if once acquired, stays lifelong. When it is dormant, it does not produce cold sores. When there are risk factors like stress in any form, physical stress, mental/emotional stress, recent illness, surgeries, and prolonged sun exposure can t... Read Full »
I had tested positive for HSV-1 last month. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I was tested positive for HSV-1 last month. Is it indicative of a recent or past infection? If it is a recent infection, I can only think back to two instances where I might have gotten infected. The suspected instances were last year. Are my results consistent with these dates? Additi... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. The HSV-1 IgG (Herpes simplex virus-1 immunoglobulin G) positive results indicate either a recent infection or a past infection. It may not be able to differentiate when the exposure has occurred. If the IgM (immunoglobulin ... Read Full »
Why do I get cold sores and rashes during my period?
Query: Hello doctor, Just wanted to know that from last two times, whenever I get my periods I get this cold sores and rashes like allergy happens on the linings of my lips. The last period date was 17th of the last month and I got this allergy and cold sores like blisters all over my lips and lining of my... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The allergic rashes if they are occurring specifically during menses and the only line the vaginal lips then the cause is unlikely to be menses per se but rather the material of the sanitary pads that you are using from day one. If you have changed the brand of the s... Read Full »
I am emotionally disturbed due to my health problems. Kindly help.
Query: Hello doctor, I am 28 and weigh 115 lbs. I have an ulcerative colitis flare up, a cold sore outbreak, genital herpes outbreak, and a knee injury that will not heal. The lab tests confirmed an infection with both the herpes viruses. What is happening to me? I work 65 hours a week as a geologist. M... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. All these symptoms you described are associated with a single disease activity. This is a rheumatological disease. It is basically an inflammatory response to some unknown gene or immune cell. You will need to be evaluated for the same. Once diagnosed, the treatment is... Read Full »
How does the cold sores get transmitted?
Query: Hi doctor, I have genital herpes, and I also get cold sores around my mouth. It is not happening often. But it tends to come when I do not expect it. It came before a week, and now it has gone. The only thing present is the red scarring that remains after the wound healing. Now, I have a boyfriend ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores. It recurs often, but the frequency of recurrence decrease with time. The infection is transmitted through direct contacts like deep kissing and oral sex. It does not spread through dry kissing. The virus can pass through si... Read Full »
I have a red circle in my mouth that is not painful. What can this be?
Query: Hello doctor, I have a red circle on the inside of my mouth that is not painful, but I have had it for about two weeks. I have a history of reoccurring mouth ulcers and cold sores due to my habit of picking and biting at my lips and cheek due to my anxiety. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. However, after reading your case history, I am sure that your oral ulcers occur due to stress. Usually, it happens among females who also have so many other issues due to hormonal and menstrual changes. Therefore, you will have to work on yo... Read Full »
Since I am diagnosed with HSV-1, will I get cold sores?
Query: Hi doctor, A few days later after having sex with my boyfriend, I had a bit of yellow discharge and felt pain. I consulted with a nurse who did a pap smear and told me I had chlamydia. She took a swab of the tear and did blood work for herpes. The IgG was negative for HSV-2 and positive for HSV-1. T... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have reviewed your query and images (attachments removed for patient identity protection). Yes, this could be the reason for your cold sores. The infection will not be present in the body from the beginning. You acquired it from a source, such as another person, shar... Read Full »
I have a red inflamed area on my upper lip. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, I have a red and slightly inflamed area on my top lip. It has been there for three to four days and it does not seem to go away. I do not think it is a cold sore as I have never got one and has not gotten any bigger. Please, can I have some advice on what to put? I have attached a few ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through the photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I request you to kindly upload a few more good quality slightly close-up images so that I am able to have a better look. A cold sore usually presents with a grape-like cluster of fluid-... Read Full »
Can I take Valacyclovir for the mouth sores caused due to herpes infection?
Query: Hi doctor, Does Valacyclovir 500 mg help to prevent mouth sores caused due to herpes? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug used for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis). The efficacy of Valacyclovir is not established after the development of cold sores. Hence, it should be used as early as possible. It should be used preferably at the earliest sym... Read Full »
Why do I get recurrent infected sores in lips?
Query: Hello doctor, I am suffering from a cold sore type infection in my mouth especially at lips. Same was occurred last year and again it repeated this year. And as on today it is the third time it is coming and curing within a period of 10 to 20 days. I want to add photographs but do not know how. Fu... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. I have gone through your query, attached pictures, and your previous prescription. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). These cold sores are of viral origin and it is called herpetic stomatitis. This has a high recurrence rat... Read Full »