Dear Ariayjah,

No. Herpes is spread by touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can be passed from one partner to another and from one part of the body to another. Herpes is not spread by casual contact with toilet seats, towels, clothes, or similar objects.

The only sexually transmitted infections that can be passed by sharing clothes are public lice, also known as crabs, and scabies. Both can be spread through sexual contact, and they can also be spread by contact with infected bedding and clothing.

Pubic lice are very contagious. Having pubic lice can be very uncomfortable and itchy because they bite and suck the blood of the person who has them. But pubic lice are not dangerous, and they can be treated with relative ease with certain over-the-counter body and hair shampoos. Scabies are less common, but more difficult to treat. Treatment requires stronger body washes that are available by prescription.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.