Sharing makeup with your Girlfriends or HERPES !!

What is Herpes 

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), popularly known as Herpes is a common infection. This virus leads to ulcers and painful blisters. 

There are two types of Herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-2 causes genital herpes and is primarily spread by sexual contact, HSV-1 causes oral herpes as well as genital herpes and can be spread relatively easily. In the beginning, most of the infected people show no symptoms or mild symptoms, thus preventing its spread becomes difficult. 

How can it Spread

An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the main cause of oral herpes.  HSV-1 can spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected patient or by sharing any object that has come in close contact with the skin. One of the most common ways of spreading oral herpes is by kissing an infected person or oral sex. Still, it can easily be shared through regular life things as well, like:-

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• Sharing eating utensils or cutlery with an infected person.
• Using the same Lipgloss or Lipstick as an infected person.
• Sharing towels or bath robes with an HSV-1 patient.

Makeup & Herpes 

Women often share their makeup with their sisters, friends, and sometimes even strangers. Need lipstick to touch up mid clubbing, no worries the ladies' restroom got your back. Got hastily ready for an important interview, the girl sitting next to you is there with her compact. From secretly sharing lip bams in school, while hiding away from the teachers to swapping lipsticks at weddings. We do share a lot but if either of the person is infected with HSV-1, then you can share the virus as well. Usually, the virus survives on the surface or tips of these products for a short time. As soon as another person uses the products on or near their lips and mouth, the virus can be transferred, infecting them in return. 

Though Herpes does not have a cure yet, it can be treated with antiviral medications. These help in preventing further breakouts, reduce blisters and other symptoms and decrease the transmission chances as well. In the end, prevention is always better than cure. We don’t want to stop you from sharing but by taking simple precautions you can prevent yourself from getting Herpes- 

• Avoid close contact with an infected person.
• Use disposable applicators while sharing makeup.
• Regularly clean your makeup brushes.
• Use personal towels and bathrobes.

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No one should prevent women from supporting each other through these little things but we can prevent each other from transmission of Herpes.