Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are contagious. They are spread mainly by skin-to-skin contact, entering your body through broken skin or mucous membranes such as the moist skin of your mouth, genitals or eyes. HSV-1 is most contagious after the blister has burstix, but it can also be transmitted before it appears, from the first moment you feel a tingle, itch or burn.x