Can you catch herpes with lipstick?

The customer of a Sephora store in the United States files a complaint against the brand, claiming to have contracted the herpes virus on a tester.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, worldwide, 3.7 billion people under the age of 50, or 67%, are infected with the oral herpes virus. This virus is transmitted by contact with the oral mucous membranes and causes the famous unsightly "cold sore" on the lips. Despite the fact that the majority of people are carriers of the virus, an American decided to sue the chain of cosmetics stores Sephora in court, claiming to have contracted herpes by using a lipstick tester.

The facts date back to October 2015, reports NBC, and the infection was confirmed by medical professionals. The plaintiff claims she had never suffered from herpes before her visit to Sephora, and she is asking to be reimbursed for her "emotional distress". She also believes that the brand should warn its customers of the risks involved when trying the beauty products available to them.

Knowing how to use a semi-colon perfectly in programming, yet having no idea how to use it in a sentence

— Ahmed Traif Thu Jul 17 11:51:52 +0000 2014

Shared hygiene

Many health professionals have testified in the American press to explain that, yes, it is possible to transmit the herpes virus via lipstick, but under certain conditions. The infected person must have tested the lipstick a few seconds before the complainant in turn uses it, explains the Live Science site. But most recall that it is very likely that the disease was already present before this event, without manifesting itself.

The cosmetics chain has not commented on these allegations yet. "Perhaps Sephora should remind its customers of the importance of practicing good hygiene when using testers and samples. But we're not supposed to need to," says the Popular Science site. Many people have the habit of spreading the lipstick on their hand, or passing the tip on a handkerchief. "If you're testing these products straight from the container shared by all the store's customers, herpes is the least of your problems!"

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