Herpes and exfoliative cheilitis?

Has anybody ever suspected hsv1 as a possible cause?
If so is the virus alone enough to trigger EC or would it have to be getting a traumatic cold sore to the lip?

I have tested negative for hsv1/2 but this did all start after 3 weeks aftee an encounter with someone who turned out to be hsv1 positive.. I've never had a cold sore or outbreak though and like I said have tested negative .. Idk was just curious.. Never know if I had false negatives or what. Tweet