herpes is a disease that can be contagious thru contact with the skin when the herpes is active. herpes never goes away. it just runs around in your body until something triggers a breakout. it can be kept under control with daily medication but it never goes away. a cold sore on your lip is a form of herpes. it sounds as if your friend had a flaring bout with it. sunburn can trigger the disease. you can probably suggest to your friend mederma, cocoa butter, vitamin e to apply to scars. i hope your friend is well and never has another outbreak. they are very painful.