Mary,

This is a tough one.  The facts are that the herpes virus does not survive well, or for long, outside the body.  Also, herpes usually takes a couple of weeks to present in most people.  That being said, nothing, however, is impossible.  You could just have an infected cut.  You indicate that you father has a disease that includes herpes.  While I am not familiar with any disease that "includes" herpes, he may have other diseases/infections that could survive well outside the body.  My advice is to have the area looked at, and GET TESTED.  The peace of mind alone will be worth it to you.  After testing, you can begin to deal with whatever your problem may be.  Remember, herpes is a sexually transmitted virus that requires skin-to-skin contact.  I can think of several scenarios that may allow transmission without such contact: you have herpes, you shower, virus is on the towel, someone comes in after you and uses the same towel.  These instances are very rare, but they can happen.  I wish both you and your father well, and I hope that it truly is only an infected cut.