July 14, 2021

I Have a Cold Sore — Did I Get It From Someone with Herpes?

The short answer from a gynecologist

Close-up of individual pointing to their cold sore

Q: I have a cold sore. Did I get it from someone with herpes?

A. Yes, although it might not be what you think.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

First, make sure that what you see is definitely a cold sore. A cold sore looks and feels like a tiny cluster of painful blisters filled with fluid. Cold sores may look similar to pimples, but the best way to tell the difference is if it itches, burns or tingles when touched. If so, and if located near your mouth/lips, it’s most likely a cold sore.

There are two types of herpes virus strain, but the kind you are most likely facing is the first — a non-sexually transmitted cold sore near your mouth:

  1. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is also known as oral herpes, cold sores or fever blisters. It generally occurs above the waist and can be contracted by close contact or kissing.
  2. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is also known as genital herpes — and it usually is found below the waist. Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

Many people don’t realize that you can get either virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) in either area (above or below the waist) through oral-genital sex, self-inoculation or during sexual contact during an outbreak of this virus.

Advertisement

You can apply a cold compress or petroleum jelly or taking a pain reliever (both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help) to reduce pain and swelling. Your cold sores should clear up within seven to 10 days.

If you experience cold sores below the waist, make an appointment with your physician.

Gynecologist Linda Bradley, MD.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Closeup of a cold sore on a person's upper lip.
November 9, 2023
Why Do I Get Cold Sores? Common Triggers Explained

Food choices likely don’t cause cold sores — but they may help with healing and prevention

zoom in on lips with cold sore
June 13, 2023
Cold Sore vs. Lip Pimple: What’s the Difference?

Clogged or inflamed pores cause one; a contagious virus causes the other

Person sitting on couch in living room with ice pack on groin.
January 24, 2023
What To Do During a Genital Herpes Outbreak

Warm baths, OTC painkillers and cotton underwear can help lessen pain and discomfort

A close-up of cold sores on someone's mouth.
August 23, 2021
Cold Sores and Dating: What You Need to Know

Find out when you run the greatest risk of passing cold sores to others and how to talk to your partner about it

A closeup of a person applying a cream to their lips
March 16, 2021
Which Is Contagious: Your Canker Sore or Cold Sore?

Surprising causes, symptoms and treatment

Young man with cold sore on lip
October 22, 2019
Here’s How You Can Get Rid of a Cold Sore (Fast!)

Heads up: it's contagious!

Male and female in embrace in foreground with contraception choices circling in background
February 2, 2024
What You Should Know About Safe Sex Practices

‘Safer sex’ means STI prevention, avoiding unintended pregnancies and psychologically safe practices for everyone

Female sitting on couch staring blankly ahead, with male next to her on couch staring at her
January 19, 2024
The Silent Treatment: Causes and Coping

Whether this behavior is abusive depends on the person doing it and their motivation

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad