cold sores

[Nick47]

Do cold sores have any implications during preg? I am getting over a cold and have a huge cold sore at the moment. I know I shouldn't use my Zovirax cream but wondered if there are any other concerns?

[Baby Girl]

I too suffer with cold sores but I use the Nyal cold sore cream as I have a reaction to Zovirax. Maybe try L-Lysine tablets from the chemist (they are a natural cold sore remedy). As far as I am aware there is no reason having cold sores should affect your pregnancy. Although after bubs is born don't give them kisses if you have any cold sores present as this is the best way to ensure they get them. From what I have been told my my GP, cold sores are genitically hereditary but you won't get one until you 'catch' it from someone/something else.

[Milly]

I get cold sores in early pregnany too as I am usually tired and rundown with the morning sickness.

I would have a chat to your pharmacist to see what is best to take during pregnancy. You are right about Zorvirax, but any cold sore treatment you should be wary of. I usually just let my Cold sores take their natural course when I am pregnant. Also, when I sense one coming on, I get ice onto it, so it is not so bad when it breaks out. It seems to work well.

Have a chat to your Pharmacist or GP.

[WeThree]

i used to get cold sores, although for some reason i dont tend to get them anymore and i always found the best thing for them was to dab some metho or tea tree oil on them, if you do it lots as soon as you feel the tingle they shouldnt even come up. my mum had a big cold sore when she went into labour with my sister and apparently it was a big deal, i dont know what labour ward policies are on it anymore, but i know that having one while you are pregnant will not affect your baby, and as long as you are careful after bubs is born there is no reason why he/she should get them, none of my kids have ever had them (although my mum passed them on to me and my brother and sister! )

[Zoe & Troy]

hi.

Im writing this with 2 big cold sores on my mouth - Not very nice. My doctor wont let me use Zovirax (althought the chemist tried to sell it to me even when I told them I was pregnant!) so I have betadine on my mouth instead. I have been told there are no effects to your unborn baby.

I will add, that I have given my 14month old baby Roseola Infantus or baby measles. It is all part of the "herpes" family. It isn't very dangerous, but Jayden had very very high temps for 3 days, 2 days ok, then this strange rash all over him today. I got him to the doctor (3rd time this week!!!) and she picked it up straight away.

from Zoe

[Kinki]

Sorry to gross everyone out but I have a cold sore in my eye! And 'cos I'm only 9 weeks along my GP wouldn't give my opthalmic zovirax cos it's a B3 med, so am suffering a wee bit (no betadine or tea tree oil or the like for me!).

I've had 4 of these suckers in my life but what a crapola time to have it!!! Guess am run down and low immunity (all I can stomach are those yummy Continental pasta and sauce things - not v. healthy!) Off to the Eye and Ear Hospital today - hopefully they can suggest some effective homeopathic remedy for me!

[jes]

Hi Kinki,

Iv never got them in my eye but i get them on my nose and when i was a child i had one under my thumb nail! I have been lucky so far i have only had a couple in the early stages of my pregnancy, im just keeping my fingers crossed that i wont get any more while im pregnant!

I have been told to be careful of the kind of drugs they give you during labour because they can cause a break out and that means no kisses for new bubs Which would be horrible!!!! Sorry i dont know exactly which ones, maybe a dr wuld be able to tell us?

Well i do feel sorry for your poor eye it must be sooo sore Hope it clears up soon!

Jes

[LittleBoysRock]

Hi all,

I am also prone to coldsores and have had a couple during pregnancy. I use Abbott's cold sore balm (avaliable from chemists). It makes the area numb and takes away the soreness. It is basically like a lip gloss....works fantastically.

You can also dab the cold sore itself with Lavender oil and that just dries them out and helps them to heal up quicker. It does burn a little though.

Abbott's is great, highly reccomend it. Hope it clears up real soon

Simone.

[TwoBlue]

Hi all

I was reading this thread yesterday but didnt post as i had no different ideas to others, none the less i spent some time thinking to myself how fortunate i was to have not had any coldsores as yet with this pregnancy (had HEAPS with my first pregnancy)

Well... would you believe it !!!??? I woke up with two this morning
both on my upper lip, they are only small but are particularily painful

unbelievable.... i jinxed myself

Tracey

Samuel 21.3.2004
#2 EDD 30.11.2005

[TwoBlue]

Most cold sore creams are not suitable to use during pregnancy and breast feeding as the chemical in them can cross the placenta to the baby / enter breast milk.

They are all low risk but most people choose not to take the risk at all

Sucks when you have them though !!!!