and 5 Other Herpes Myths Debunked
Let’s Separate Herpes Fact from Fiction
If you’ve just been diagnosed with herpes, your mind might be racing with questions—and a hefty dose of fear, thanks to decades of stigma and misinformation.
SO, can you get herpes from a towel?
It’s time to clear the air.
Myth #1: “You Can Get Herpes From a Towel, Toilet Seats, or Hot Tubs”
The Truth: This is highly, highly unlikely.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a fragile virus. It doesn’t survive long on inanimate objects. It thrives in warm, moist environments on the human body, but once it’s on a surface like a towel, it dies quickly as the surface dries out.
For transmission to occur from an object, the virus would have to be transferred from the object to your skin immediately after contact, and even then, it needs a pathway (like a cut or open sore) to enter the body. Simple, intact skin is an excellent barrier.
While sharing towels isn’t recommended for general hygiene reasons, you don’t need to live in fear of inanimate objects. The real focus should be on direct skin-to-skin contact. We would still not recommend sharing towels during an outbreak, simply because we don't feel comfortable doing so. There is moisture on the towel, however, from our research, the transmission would still be highly unlikely, due to inanimateness.
Myth #2: “If You Don’t Have Sores, You Can’t Transmit It”
The Truth: Unfortunately, this isn’t true.
This is one of the most dangerous myths, often believed by doctors as well. Viral shedding—when the virus is active on the skin’s surface without any visible symptoms—can and does happen. This is how many people transmit herpes without ever knowing they had an active virus at the time.
This is why using products that support your skin barrier every day is a powerful act of care for yourself and your partner. Our Everyday Soothing Oil with tea tree and lavender isn't just for tingles; it's a daily ritual to keep your skin healthy and resilient.
Myth #3: “Herpes is a ‘Dirty’ Disease”
The Truth: Herpes is a skin condition, not a moral judgment.
This myth is pure stigma. Herpes doesn’t care about your cleanliness, your number of partners, or your character. It’s a virus, and a remarkably common one. Billions of people live with HSV-1 or HSV-2. You are not alone, and you are not "dirty."
Reframe your self-talk. When shame creeps in, use a grounding ritual. Applying our Positivity Lotion with sandalwood and chamomile can be a tangible reminder to be kind to yourself. It’s a moment to say, “I am caring for my body, and that is a good thing.”
Myth #4: “Only Certain Types of People Get Herpes”
The Truth: Herpes is an equal-opportunity virus.
It affects people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. You can get it in a long-term monogamous relationship, from your first partner, or even from a non-sexual kiss from a relative as a child as cold sores.
The Real Story: The only thing “certain types of people” with herpes have in common is that they contracted a very common virus.
Myth #5: “Outbreaks Are Always Painful and Obvious”
The Truth: Many people have such mild symptoms they mistake them for something else—or have no symptoms at all.
A first outbreak can be pronounced and even that, not for all. Subsequent outbreaks can be as mild as a small patch of itchy skin, a single tiny bump, or just a nerve tingling sensation. Some people never have a second outbreak.
Learning your body’s unique signals is key. At the very first sign of a tingle or itch, apply our Rescue Balm. The cooling peppermint and eucalyptus can provide immediate comfort and may help support your body in minimizing the outbreak’s severity.
Myth #6: “Herpes Will Ruin Your Sex Life Forever”
The Truth: While it changes the conversation about intimacy, it doesn’t have to end it.
Countless people with herpes have fulfilling, active sex lives and loving relationships. It requires communication, trust, and sometimes using protection like condoms or daily suppressive therapy.
Make intimacy comfortable and worry-free. Using a lubricant like Explode is crucial. It reduces friction (a common outbreak trigger) and is pH-balanced to support your body’s natural flora, helping you focus on connection, not concern. And remember, if you don't feel you can relax, don't do it. You and your partner are both adults and can weight pros and cons for intimacy.
Letting go of these myths is the first step toward reclaiming your power. Herpes is a manageable health condition, not a life sentence of fear and isolation. Your life, your joy, and your confidence are all still entirely available to you.
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