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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Coldsores

26 replies

LoopyLoopsHulaHoops · 08/03/2011 10:51

I have a massive, painful coldsore on my face. (Not even lip :( ) I know you're not supposed to use Zovirax, but it's the only thing that works. Has anyone any pregnancy-friendly suggestions?

OP posts:
bishboschone · 08/03/2011 11:46

I suffer from coldsores..do you get them normally? I always have patches at hand and put them on as soon as I feel them coming on. How long have you had it? Don't put Zovirax on it after a few days as it needs to dry out and scab .

Saggyoldclothcatpuss · 08/03/2011 11:52

Are you run down? I only ever get these lurgies when I am. Try upping the vitamins, and taking time to pamper yourself.

Original poster
LoopyLoopsHulaHoops · 08/03/2011 12:07

Yes, I've had them since I was a child. We had a bad night on Saturday, went away and DD didn't sleep all night (therefore I didn't either) then was outside all day Sun, so a combination of being worn out and outside (I always get them at festivals or camping for some reason).
I've got some patches, are they OK to use pregnant?
I'm not a massive fan of taking vitamin supplements, but will do. :)

OP posts:
girlfromdownsouth · 08/03/2011 12:19

Loopy I have suffered from cold sores since childhood as well. The reason they come out at festivals and camping is because maybe you get a bit more sun than usual?

My midwife, doctor and pharmacist all agree that you cannot use the Zovirax cream when pg. I agree that it is the only thing that works but for me it's not worth putting the baby at risk. You can use Blistese (sp). But please do go and get some L-Lysine tablets from your local health food shop or chemist. They are completely safe to take in pg - I have checked with my doc, the manufacturers, homeopaths etc etc. You can choose to take one daily or just one when you have an attack. I usually take one when I feel an attack coming on and if I forget they develop more and last longer.

You have my sympathy - they are bloody awful and they never go away... Sad

skippyjroo · 08/03/2011 12:51

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your coldsore Loopy.

I stopped using Zovirax and the like a few years ago when I was living in Asia. I never thought it was that good tbh and someone suggested that I ice them. It works an absolute treat Grin All you do is literally ice the cs directly with an ice cube for about 10 mins (you might need more than one ice cube and holding it in a tea towel is handy for not freezing your fingers) and do this every couple of hours, or as often as you can. It takes the swelling down and will stop the cs from lasting as long. It works better if you start as soon as you feel that tingle, but will help as soon as you start. When I get them now they are usually gone within two or three days Smile Also has the bonus of being pretty much free!

bishboschone · 08/03/2011 13:01

I don't know if the patches are ok in pregnanvy but I am pregnant and have had 2 coldsores. I used them both times because mine are just soo painful and if I don't nip them in the bud my face swells up really badly. Ihave never found Zoviraz any good as it keeps them wet when you need them to dry and scab to go. I have suffered from them my whole life and get them when I am tired or get a cold..( never normally but have had 2 colds in rapid succesion with pregnancy ) .

pipoca · 08/03/2011 13:13

WHAT?S WRONG WITH ZOVIRAX? OOP caps lock

bishboschone · 08/03/2011 13:25

I just dont find it works..it keeps the CS wet when they need to dry to scab and therefore go.

moregranny · 08/03/2011 13:28

Lemon oil from Boots, stings like hell but has always worked for me, x

JenniferR · 08/03/2011 13:31

Hi there

I have had 3 cold sores whilst pregnant and have used Zovirax. I checked this each time with the pharmacist and they confirmed that it is was okay to use as long as you used it sparingly and didn't ingest it.

I used it only 3 times a day- AM, lunch and PM and stopped using it once the blisters started to scab (post infectious). The pharmacist showed me the details in their medicine book and it stated where the symptons will be releived it is okay to us in moderation and better than the infection getting worse/spreading to other parts of your body:

www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003323.html

Only ever use on the face lip area though. Hope you feel better soon.

wigglesrock · 08/03/2011 13:36

I asked about this 6 weeks ago, had what I thought were coldsores, ran to Boots, they recommended Zovirax, I didn't tell them I was pregnant, and thanks to a very flattering coat they didn't realise Grin. It was only when I went to pay I mentioned I was pregnant, they snatched it out of my hands, in a nice way told me it was a big no no, I was a tad taken aback and didn't go into detail about why not.

The pharmacist then had a look, said they weren't coldsores but hacks deffo caused by iron deficiency. Went to midwife, iron level very low, told to take Floradix, couldn't take tablets (still throwing up severely 39 weeks into pregnancy) Started to feel better almost immediately although taste is rank!!!

girlfromdownsouth · 08/03/2011 13:42

Very frustrating because like wiggles I was told it was a big no no but upon further research like JenniferR it now appears that it is safe as the dosage is so small - grrr...

I think I will continue to use it because it works for me and every pg (this is my 3rd) I am guaranteed to get cold sores (and thrush)!!
However I will supplement with the L-Lysine too.

newmummy2lucas · 08/03/2011 14:47

Oh sugar! I used zov loads in my last pg as it didn't occur to me that I couldn't use it. Had a really bad outbreak on hol in Italy at 5 months ! Does anybody know why its not safe? Thankfully dc is fine tho!!!

Original poster
LoopyLoopsHulaHoops · 08/03/2011 15:09

Thank you all. :)

What are hacks, wigglesrock? Google won't tell me...

OP posts:
Petalouda · 08/03/2011 15:14

Hello OP,

I've had a billion coldsores since being pregnant. I did some independent research & found that there's no reason not to use zovirax whilst pregnant (except the cost, use the cheaper generic type).

The only problem might occur if you have to take it orally (i.e. it gets into your whole system). Like girlfromdownsouth topical (skin) application is only a tiny dose which is unlikely to make it much past the site of the breakout.

I bought some from the chemist the other day (@ ~36 weeks) and the pharmacist was fine about it. She just checked the cold sore was on my face (not 'elsewhere'!).

I use the patches too, which I actually find to be better.

If you're worried, go without, but I couldn't stand the itch!

hubbahubster · 08/03/2011 16:28

I used the patches (which I find better than creams ? they stop the constant reinfection from drinking/touching) when I had one cold sore on top of another in early pregnancy and it was totally safe (I'm now 20 weeks) ? I'd really recommend them :)

FreeButtonBee · 08/03/2011 16:35

Agree the patches are way better than zovirax. The big plus is no pain at all. I think because it stops the air getting at the sore.

Original poster
LoopyLoopsHulaHoops · 08/03/2011 17:38

This patch thing looks ridiculous - how do I stop it peeling off and looking even more cornflake-like?

OP posts:
Petalouda · 08/03/2011 18:37

The patches take practice. I usually put a bit of cream on, let it sink in, and then go with the patches. But I find their application instructions a bit crap, I kind of loosen the sticker off a bit first, then try to apply it in a rolling type motion!

Depending on where it is, you might need to pull a bit of a face, otherwise it can detach and go cornflakey as soon as you speak/smile etc.

However, I am assured that they can hardly be seen from a normal distance. But since we tend to apply them 2cm from a mirror, they look hideously obvious to us!

Keep trying - they're expensive, but they're probably the best treatment, pg or not!

nomoreheels · 08/03/2011 23:17

I have suffered with cold sores since I was a child. They calmed down in my early 30s when I went on doxycyclin fir my skin, bizarrely.

However I've had two dreadful ones during this pregnancy. I used compeed patches & then the Boots own brand patches, which are cheaper. I agree it takes a bit of practice to put them on & they do start to peel off when they get stretched or wet, or depending where your sore is (eg corner of mouth is more awkward.) But for me, they work loads better than Zovirax. They're especially good for overnight healing.

Both of mine came at a point where I was very run down & stressed. I'd try to take it slow & look after yourself - stress and our poor lowered immune systems make us susceptible.

FreeButtonBee · 09/03/2011 09:41

I don't use any cream and make sure the coldsore is as dry as possible. I use tiisue paper and cotton buds to completely dry the sore and then quickly put patch on by taking off one side of the backing, sticking it to the coldsore and rolling the other bit of backing off.

jellyhead188 · 09/03/2011 09:43

my doc and midwife told me to use zorvirax in pregnancy - I suffer really badly with them when at the beginning of my pgs!

You have my sympathy - I also use tea tree oil but doc said you need to you zovirax 5 times a day for five days after the cold sore has gone to make sure you get rid of the infection.

LoopyLoopsChupaChups · 09/03/2011 23:34

Went to the docs today for a check-up, and she thinks it's impetigo, so has given me antibiotic cream. Hopefully that will help...

Thanks all for your help. :)

bishboschone · 10/03/2011 08:16

Oh blimey, mine went to impertigo once ( I work with dirty stuff) hope it gets better soon .

Paranoid1stTimer · 10/03/2011 12:06

Wow - can you definitely take L Lysine while PG cos I was told it's not been tested so they couldn't say yes or no. L Lysine is THE ONLY thing that works for me (in combination with Boots Cold Sore Lotion)

Sorry it's impetigo - I hope it goes away quickly.