Question:
hello
I just have a question. Can herpes get into your body if you do not have a cut or opening in your skin? Can you get herpes from some one who has it and is rubbing there sores on your skin (that doesnt have any cuts) Is it like posin ivy, you get it from just touching it. i just read that long post from richard saying its only by direct contact. im not too sure what that means.
NOHERPESPLEASE

Answer:
I'd hate to give you wrong info - but this is what I'm pretty sure is the case:

Herpes likes a warm, damp/wet environment - genitalia, mouth, eyes - perfect locations. The virus can reproduces faster there, and is more likely to infect an area like that.

Cuts, open skin areas for any reason are the same king of environment, so yes - transmission is likely.

Now on closed, healthy skin, I believe that transmission is possible, less likely, and more likely to be washed away before infection sets in - thats why washing hands or other areas after contact is so important, and why the outbreaks are usualy located in the oral/genital areas.

I would not go touching someones sores and go wash my hands and think nothing of it - avoid contact with the area if there is an outbreak until the area is completely healed.


I'm sure others will add - so check back...