can cold sores spread to my genitals by wiping after using the bathroom? . i get cold sores. i try to be super careful when i have them as i know they are contagious. i wash my hands constantly. i refrain from kissing of any kind. but i fear coming in contact with my own genitals. what about wiping myself after the bathroom? what if i have an itch down there that i scratch? how long can the hsv-1 virus live on my hand if i touch my cold sore?
a cold sore (herpes simplex) is not very likely to spread to your own genital area (auto-innoculation). just wash your hands after you touch your cold sore (or try not to touch it at all) and you will be just fine.