MASSIVE coldsore!

[Beccadugs]

Should I be worried? I have developed a massive coldsore. I read online that Zovirax is a no no. Could just leaving it untreated be harmful to the baby? I'm 9 weeks

I had the biggest one of my live in the first trimester too. It took over about half of my top lip.
I put perfume on it about twice a day. It stung but I took that to mean it was killing the virus. Felt better than doing nothing.
Try not to touch it or pick at it or it might spread.

Oh woops i used zovirax the other day! However my main trick with coldsores is salt. Dab salt on it and leave to dry for an hour or so. Repeat every few hours. It'll dry it up and heal it super quick!

I can highly, highly recommend the compeed patches. My GP said these were fine to use while pg and they are more effective than creams. With the patch they are totally covered, so better for avoiding any spread.
Cold sores will not harm your unborn baby, only a problem with newborns.

Yes, it won't harm your baby. As long as you don't have it when baby is here.

I hope I don't have it for the next 31 weeks!!!

The only time I've used the compeed patches I got a huge infection in the coldsore so might leave them!

I think you're more prone to coldsores in pregnany (if you're a carrier) because your immune system is weakened. I'd speak to the pharmacist and see what they come up with.

I had a coldsore early in my pregnancy and when I spoke to my doctor she said I could use Zovirax as long as it was sparingly. I hope this helps!

Another vote for compeed patches. They are amazing! Zovirax never did anything to me. My routine is cleaning the cold sore with tcp first , letting it dry for few seconds , then apply the patch.

I really, really recommend the UV light things. They sell them in Boots for twenty quid or so. I have had cold sores my whole life, always in the same place. I bought one of these machines at first tingle last winter and the cold sore went within a few days and wasn't half as sore as normal. They normally last about a week and a half. It has also worked very well since. I can't imagine that they couldn't be used in pregnancy. Well worth the money, I always keep it in my handbag now.

www.boots.com/en/Boots-Pharmaceuticals-Avert-Electronic-Cold-Sore-Machine_1129542/

It's more expensive than I remembered at 35 quid, but well worth it.

If I am in the house and no chance of being seen :) I use a big dab of sudocrem on mine!!!!

oh i sympathise :( i am now 23 weeks and have had 7 coldsores since being pg - mostly in early pregnancy. i tried the salt trick once after looking it up online, that one definitely went the quickest. i was advised that zovirax was ok used minimally - also i asked my dad who was a dentist and he said its topical very unlikely to get to your baby.

i started taking a lysine tablet each day - holland and barrett said it was safe to take in pg and so far they've stayed away (touch wood).

hope it clears up soon, they are so miserable

Oh no I've been using Zovirax throughout pregnancy and not liberally. Has anyone else? Really worried now. Am 33 weeks.... Can anyone put my mind at rest??

Boots coldsore lotion is a good dry-it-upper. Thick paste of instant coffee granules also works quite well, but does make you look ridiculous.

Compeed patches are safe to use in pregnancy and my huge cold sore went in 5-6 days.