[Question #8194] Autoinoculation risk
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47 months ago
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If someone who has gotten occasional cold sores for a few years now uses the same razor for face and body sometimes what is the risk for autoinoculation?
Scenario: There was no coldsore or prodrome symptoms on my face at the time so I shaved my facial hair then proceeded to shave my armpits and stomach with the same razor and may have knicked my stomach in the process but I didn’t see any blood or cuts. What are the chances that I’ve auntoinoculated my stomach. (I can’t remember if I used shaving cream on my abdomen if that makes a difference)
Thanks for your help
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47 months ago
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Also I was stressed from bad news so my immune system may have been weak
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
47 months ago
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if you had no cold sore present and shaved your face, and you have a well established history of cold sores, I really don't see a risk here for transferring your cold sore virus to your other body parts. I believe all is well.
Terri
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47 months ago
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Thats helps to know I’ve been so anxious. I know it’s hard and super rare to autoinoculate after well established infections but If by chance it does happen would a new infection show up immediately within 2-12 days as various websites say for primary incubation or would it take longer since I already have the virus in my system because I get cold sores already. I’m just super nervous trying not to panic and trying to rationalize my thoughts.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
47 months ago
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I hope you are making progress on not panicking. This risk is incredibly low and yes, it would likely show up within 2-10 days if it happened, which is very unlikely.
Terri
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