What do you think when you see someone with a cold sore?

[Anonymous]

I get cold sores every now and then, and I'm wondering what people think about someone that has one? Do you get grossed out by it? Do you think differently about them? What if it's on an attractive girl/guy?

Updates

+1 y

people, PLEASE do NOT say herpes. cold sores ARE herpes and I already know that. Some useful feedback would be nice.

[Anonymous]

I have one starting right now. I have about one a year but when I was younger I would get them every couple of months. I get fewer as I get older. If I treat it right away it will only last a few days and it doesn't really bug me. I had acne because of a medication I was on and it was more painful than a cold sore. I didn't know they were contagious as a kid but nobody that has been around me has ever gotten them. Not even my past girlfriends.

[Anonymous]

Probably "Ew!"

And I guess I would be mildly concerned, since its a form of Herpes and everything... be worried about her going down on me or me getting it from kissing. I hear cold sores are really painful and I wouldn't want to get one.

Although I'd be turned off, I wouldn't be judgmental, since most people I know were born with them. Just unfortunate for them I guess.

[tohrment]

I remember reading that it's estimated that 80% of the American population has been exposed to the simplex :) Also, that most people never suffer any symptoms because their immune system suppresses it.

Anyway, I worked in a pharmacy. There are WAY ickier things out there than cold sores. I don't really think much of it, but wonder how they treat it.

[rachiee]

Channing Tatum could have a cold sore and be all over me but I'd never kiss him. I'd automatically walk away/avoid them unless I was going to be their friend only. But even if I was just talking to them as a friend, I'd have to keep my distance. They're highly contagious. Sorry to say.

[Asker]

you'll only get it if you make direct contact with it.. or something they used like a cup or spoon. it's not an air-born virus

[rachiee]

True but you can touch it with your hand then touch the couch I'm sitting on...

[AWittyUsername]

My first thought is simply "eww" but I wouldn't treat anyone differently because they have one, many people get them so its not really a big deal, in my opinion.

[dejugirl]

I got one right now but I rarely have it. :( It's painful. arg..

It would be interesting to read peoples reply to your question. :)

[Asker]

meee toooo! I just want to crawl into a hole and not come out til its gone :(

[dejugirl]

same here! . :D and I just found out mine is a canker sore. :P

[pr3ttybr0wn]

yuck. I can't tell the difference between cold sores and herpes, so I assume it's herpes. I wouldn't drink after them or kiss them

[Asker]

cold sores are herpes.. cold sore is just the common name for them

[sweet_18]

If I saw a guy with cold sores - not boyfriend material or hookup material

girl with cold sores - better not drink after her or let her breath on me

[Asker]

you do realize it's not an air-borm virus?

and you would never date a guy with herpes? over 70% of people have it..

[sweet_18]

If the virus was active...no

[Asker]

sooo say you starting dating a guy, and 4 months in he gets a cold sore.. would you dump him?

[sweet_18]

no. but if I just met him, it would be a huge aversion

[slipslender]

i think: herpes simplex 1

[Anonymous]

Lol herpes no doubt about it

[Cuddle_Muffin]

lol...herpes.

[Moloch]

Herpes.

[Moloch]

That is what I think. My brain says, “that's herpes.”