cold sores

efs83

I usually get about 3-4 cold sores a year, mostly brought on by stress. Since I've been pregnant I've already had 2, and I was surprised to learn that pregnancy hormones can atually cause them to occur! Ugh! Has anyone else had this problem? I usually use abreva cream, which helps but I'm not sure its safe to use during pregnancy, any one else have any suggestions? Thanks!

Hudson_Hawk

Preggo hormones can do anything to you. Would you consider taking a daily dose of valtrex or something similar? I believe it's OK for pregnant women because the baby can contract the herpes virus if you have genital herpes. Check with your doctor. Cold sores suck and you shouldn't have to suffer through them if there's a maintenance med you can take. For the record, I don't have GH, I'm a former pharmacy tech and I know a few people who take acyclovir daily to prevent recurrent cold sores.

 

Mrs.Ortega81409

mine have become a lot less frequent in the last couple of years but what I find works some of the times is to apply ice (continuously) when I feel one coming on.  it has worked very well when I ice it early enough.

sillylibra

I also get occasional cold sores ever since I was a teenager. Mine are also mostly brought on by stress and i have had one already since finding out I am pregnant. I use a prescription cream called Zovirax, and it works really well. I've never had any luck with OTC treatments but this cream works very well. Use it at the first sign of that little bubbly tingly itchy leasion and by the next day it already starts to go down.

FutureMrsGaff

I got cold sores before testing positive both times I was pregnant.  I usually take acyclovir.  My doctor says it is safe.  I find the oral medications are much more effective than the creams.