References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Yes, herpes can appear on the breasts or nipples, though it’s uncommon. Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) can infect any area of skin where it enters through a break or crack, including the areola and nipple. This is most relevant for breastfeeding mothers, as cracked nipples provide an entry point.
How Can Herpes Get on the Breasts?
- Direct contact: A partner with oral herpes (cold sore) touching or kissing the breast/nipple area
- Self-transfer (autoinoculation): Touching an active herpes sore on another part of your body and then touching your breast. This is mainly a risk during a first outbreak when antibodies haven’t fully developed
- Breastfeeding: An infant with oral herpes can transmit HSV to the nipple during feeding
Symptoms
- Tingling or burning sensation on the nipple or areola
- Small, fluid-filled blisters that cluster together
- Blisters that break open into shallow, painful sores
- Crusting and healing over 7-14 days
- Pain during breastfeeding if lesions are on the nipple
Herpes and Breastfeeding
If you have active herpes sores on the breast or nipple, you should not breastfeed from the affected breast until the sores have completely healed. Neonatal herpes is rare but serious and can be life-threatening for newborns.
You can express and discard milk from the affected breast to maintain supply. Continue breastfeeding from the unaffected breast as long as there are no sores on it and no contact between the baby and the sores.
If herpes is elsewhere on the body (genital, oral) and NOT on the breast, breastfeeding is safe. Wash hands thoroughly before handling the baby.
Treatment
Breast herpes is treated with the same antivirals as genital or oral herpes:
- Aciclovir tablets or cream
- Valaciclovir tablets
Both aciclovir and valaciclovir are considered safe during breastfeeding (the amount excreted in breast milk is minimal).
Read more: Genital herpes guide | Infant feeding and HIV
Frequently Asked Questions
Is herpes on the breast common?
It’s uncommon. Herpes primarily affects the mouth, genitals, and anus. Breast involvement typically requires direct contact with an active sore in that specific area.
Can my baby get herpes from breastfeeding?
Only if there are active herpes sores on the breast or nipple. If sores are present, stop feeding from that breast and seek medical advice. Neonatal herpes is rare but can be severe.
Related reading
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Cold Sores vs Syphilis Sores: How to Tell the Difference
- Genital Warts vs Herpes: What's the Difference?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
