39 wks preg and DH possibly has first coldsore?!

[Fuzzyduck21]

...but we aren't really sure. Can't see a blister or anything but don't know what we are looking for. I'm freaking out as I've hears the virus can cross the placenta if you've not had it before and cause all sorts of problems for the baby not to mention once it's born. I feel someone need a to 'diagnose' it so we know either way but GP not interested in seeing him so what else can we do? I am probably more worried than the average person as I do suffer from anxiety and I'm under the perinatal mental health team but to be this is a real valid risk so not sure where to turn to find out one way or another x

Sorry just to be clear I've never had one before so am worried about catching it as we shared drinks over past couple of days before realising what it could be.. .

Hi I would maybe ask a pharmacist to take a look then if they confirm it is a coldsore you could ring your midwife for advice. I think you'd only be at risk if you had contact with him while it's blistery, even then you're not guaranteed to catch it. I know how you feel though my daughter has chickenpox and I'm 18 weeks pregnant it is a worry.

Cold sores are most contagious once the blister has formed. As a precaution, he should buy some Compeed patches to put over and seal the tingling area (patch needs to be replaced a couple of times a day - buy a few packs as it takes a while to get used to the application). Buy some antibac soap to frequently wash hands. Don’t share food, drinks, towels, crockery and obviously don’t kiss.

He may also want to start taking Lysine capsules (6 for him during infection and 2 for you as a precaution).

If it is a coldsore, the recovery time is 8-12 days (he needs to keep using the patches until the blister has healed completely). If the baby comes during that time, he mustn’t kiss it at all and should ensure he’s washing his hands very frequently.

The patches seal the wound and keep it moist to prevent scarring. The over the counter cold sore creams do the opposite and dry up the blister quickly, but personally I think there’s more risk of damaging the scab, spreading the virus and causing scarring.

Discuss your concerns with your midwife. Hope it doesn’t develop