Coldsores

[LeeCee]

I've always suffered with coldsores and managed to escape an outbreak in pregnancy until now (32 weeks tomorrow). I've been taking L Lysine supplement (500mg per day) for about a week now - asked nutritionist at my maternity hospital and she said it was fine.

But the ones in my nose have now spread to my lip and I really want to use a patch or cream to stop the spread

Anyone know what's safe to use in pregnancy? I'm seeing my consultant tomorrow so can ask her then but if I don't start tonight the blisters will be raging by then so would really appreciate any advice

Tia

Bump for help!

The patch is basically an inert piece of plastic. I would use it without hesitation. No idea about the cream - maybe ask a pharmacist?

I find a good strong perfume dabbed on right before bed keeps the worst of it away. It stings which must mean its doing something, right?

I am not a medical professional but I am a fellow sufferer. I read up on this in pregnancy, used cream and patches and didn't worry, the amounts of active ingredient are tiny. And I also used oral aciclovir tablets in 2nd and 3rd trimester at the first hint of a tingle to prevent an attack (I get them really badly) with my obstetrician's approval. (He said he wouldn't recommend in first trimester).

I would be more worried about having an outbreak with a vulnerable newborn as it would be very, very hard to prevent transmission and it can be extremely dangerous.

Thanks @feelitinyourbones this is what I'm most worried about! Having one just before or after I give birth. I'm so so paranoid about that. I might ask about the tablets tomorrow if they can help prevent.

I have read that if you are a cold sore sufferer usually and get them throughout pregnancy then it’s not dangerous if you have one when your baby is a newborn as they will have built up some immunity from you. I’ve read it’s only dangerous if you have your first outbreak just before or after birth.

I was advised 1000mg daily and 3000mg when I had an outbreak while pregnant and after while breastfeeding.
Purely anecdotally but I find Carmex good to to prevent.

Hi all just to update - saw my consultant today and asked both her and the midwife about this.

They both told me Zovirax/Cymex etc creams are safe and fine to use. Patches also fine.

However midwife told me not to take lysine - which is not what the nutritionist had told me previously hate getting conflicting advice

I asked about the tablets but midwife said they usually only prescribe them for genital herpes and they shouldn't be necessary unless I have a very severe, long lasting outbreak.

Also - most interesting and reassuring- the consultant told me that baby will be immune to my coldsores as she's living with all my antibodies etc now. So the danger is actually from others having a coldsore and kissing her. Mine won't affect her. Which is a massive weight off my mind.

Anyway will lay off the lysine, lash in the patches and hopefully get rid of his bout and avoid another. Thanks for all your advice

Sorry @SuperVeggie just seeing your post now - you're spot on!