Recurring cold sores after having baby

[Sid2024]

I've always had them but only really got them a couple times a year, since having my baby 6 months ago I seem to be getting one every month! Sometimes back to back

I take Acyclovir and use a patch when I feel one coming on but they don't seem to be working as well as they used to anymore. Previously I was able to nip an outbreak in the bud before it properly emerged, but now they break out (albeit they are still smaller and easier to manage then if I wasn't doing anything)

Did anyone else have continuous outbreaks after having a baby? Does it get better? Is there a better way to deal with outbreaks?

I get cold sores. They randomly started when I was about 24, so nearly 20 years ago. I take a suppressive dose of acyclovir to stop breakouts. Sometimes they still breakthrough, but when they do increase the dose 5 a day which almost stops it in its tracks. I do take vitamin D to support my immune system but I think if you are susceptible, you’re susceptible. Will wait to see other replies. I hope it stops for you OP

Agree that if you’re a bit run down, understandable if you’re looking after a baby, then you may get regular breakouts

Are you following the usual advice of eating a variety of fruit and veg and abstaining from alcohol? Getting good and regular sleep might be a bit of dream right now though unfortunately.

Also agree with having a suppressive dose of Acyclovir. If you’re BFing you could talk to the BFN’s Drug Service to see if they think it’s safe

Are you breastfeeding? I was extremely low in vit D when bf and needed a much higher dose than available in postnatal vitamins. I think i needed 2000ui per day to start with. If you are the same, i think that can also contribute to outbreaks, so might be worth getting your levels checked to see whether that is having an impact.