Cold sores

[Chelyanne]

I've had these as long as I can remember unfortunately, usually only when I'm a bit run down or ill.

Any other sufferers get the OK to use any creams etc or did you just let them go on their own in pregnancy?

I’ve also suffered with coldsores my whole life - I had a flare up when I was about 10 weeks pregnant and got the okay from midwife and GP to use aciclovir tablets as normal (Its an antiviral - have them on repeat prescription I get coldsores that often!). This is the active ingredient in creams such as Zovirax so would assume it would be safe to use topically as well, but a text to your midwife confirming it’s okay could put your mind at ease?

I suffer from breakouts and have had one pop up today 🤦🏼‍♀️
Last pregnancy, I was told that acyclovir cream is fine. If you use any kind of lidocaine cream to numb it, you should refrain from using that.
They told me to try and avoid using the tablets, unless I was in my 3rd trimester, at which point they want to clear it up ASAP so it’s not lingering when baby comes as it can obviously be very risky for newborns. I plan to ring my GP in the morning to check that’s still accurate and correct!

@SillyBry @Discodramas Thanks

I'll use the cream I have then. If they come back by my next consultant app I'll ask about the tablets as I'll be almost 36wk then.

I'm not usually one for quack medicine but I was desperate with a brewing cold sore one night and tried aloe vera, and it worked. I used to get terrible cold sores, and took the tablets when I had my DD as I was terrified of infecting her. Now I use a mix of pureish (it has some stuff to make it less sticky I think) and cream and I'd say 7/10 times I don't get the break out and other times it's gone in 2 days. It's been life changing, which is hard to understand if you don't get it bad but if you do you know what I mean.

Sorry typo - pureish aloe

I get them on my thighs, not my lips... which is good from a visual point of view... less good from a clothing irritating them point of view!

It's so frustrating as usually if I feel the tingle before it starts and I can pop a few tablets quickly, they go before they start... but I had an outbreak early on in pregnancy, took nothing and it went on and on... as soon as it finished, it started again, so I'll try anything! Aloe vera is bound to help, hey!

I find salt water is good for cleaning the sores and an ice pack relieves the itch massively.

Tried to ring my dr this morning, but they are already full for the day... fail!

I only get them on my mouth, want to be able to kiss my newborn so hoping they're well gone by d-day.
Aloe may be a good investment in general, so many uses for it.

Im a sufferer although I only get them a few times a year. I find that keeping my lips well moisturised at all times really helps me - if I get any tiny crack at all then one is bound to pop up!