We’ve all been there.
You’re changing your baby’s diaper and you think to yourself, “Can my baby get herpes from this diaper change?”
The answer, of course, is no.
But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your little one.
Here’s what you need to know about herpes and diaper changes.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common virus that can cause two different types of infections.
Herpes type 1 usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, while herpes type 2 typically causes genital sores.
HSV is spread through direct contact with an infected area, such as by kissing someone who has a cold sore or by touching a sore and then transferring the virus to another part of your body, such as your eyes. It can also be spread through sexual contact.
Most people with HSV don’t have any symptoms, but some may experience periodic outbreaks of genital or oral sores.
The good news is that once you have the virus, it stays in your body for life, but the outbreaks tend to become less frequent over time.
There is no cure for HSV, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks.
So, what does this have to do with diaper changes?
Well, if you have HSV-1 and you kiss your baby on the mouth while you have a cold sore, it’s possible to spread the virus to your child.
However, it’s highly unlikely that you would spread HSV-2 during a diaper change because the virus is typically only found in the genital area.
It’s important to note that even if you don’t have any active lesions or symptoms, you can still spread HSV to others.
This is why it’s important to practice safe hygiene and avoid contact with others if you have an active outbreak.
If you think you might have HSV-1 or HSV-2, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested so you can take steps to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Conclusion
In short, no—you cannot give your baby herpes by changing their diaper.
However, it is possible to spread HSV-1 (the type that usually causes cold sores) through close contact when you have an active outbreak.
So if you think you might have HSV-1 or HSV-2, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested and taking steps to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Babies are delicate and need the best of everything, especially when it comes to their skin. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive than ours, making them more susceptible to rashes and irritation.
That’s why it’s so important to use a diaper cream whenever you change their diaper. A good diaper cream can help to protect your baby’s skin and prevent further irritation.
But with so many different brands and formulas on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 5 best diaper creams available.
So click the button below and check out our list. Your baby’s bottom will thank you!