Cold sores?

[*Ang*]

Posting on behalf of a gf who is 20 weeks pregnant. She has as she put it "A colony of cold sores" on her lip and wanting to know is this normal when pregnant?

Both have been searching the net for info but most of the info is in relation to genital herpes...I think it is because your immune system is lower so therefore you are more prone to outbreaks- does that sound about right?

Can you use anything?

TIA

[clare076]

Generally cold sores attack when you are run down, stressed or not taking adequate diet. So yes very common during pregnancy. I am not sure if you can take or use anything best ask pharmacist HOWEVER I rub vegemite into cold sores when I get them. (pregnant or not) I believe the vitamin B is really good for them (and mouth ulcers) hurts like a bi@#ch (for 30 sec) but they are usually gone within a day or two.

[INSAMITY]

Generally cold sores attack when you are run down, stressed or not taking adequate diet. So yes very common during pregnancy. I am not sure if you can take or use anything best ask pharmacist HOWEVER I rub vegemite into cold sores when I get them. (pregnant or not) I believe the vitamin B is really good for them (and mouth ulcers) hurts like a bi@#ch (for 30 sec) but they are usually gone within a day or two.

Vegemite? Haven't heard of that one, I will try anything once.. (although I have visions of me running around the house looking like Hitler with a little moustache!! hehe)

My FIL swears by using ice on the area, usually works really well if you can get it in time - I'm still a newbie to it all, so I can never predict that tingle..

Haven't had an increase in sores so far during pregnancy - apart from MS I've been healthier than ever, so thanfully pregnancy hasn't worn me down enough to get another one. (fingers crossed!)

[Lilly-Pilly]

I take Collidal minerals after having at least 2 ulcers every week for months and months. I haven't had a single ulcer since, and they also work for cold sores. Basically they are natural minerals you mix in with juice, it contains 70 minerals the body needs to function properly. If you want to know more about them email or PM me, they have worked wonders for me

[Tobily]

I get cold sores fairly regularly anyway, but I'm more susceptible to them when I'm pregnant.
I've gotten them a couple of times during both my pregnancies, usually at the very beginning and the very end.
They do flare up when you're run down or stressed so pregnancy is a time you'll usually get them.
I used to use the Nyal Coldsore balm (get it at the supermarket) because you can't use any of the anti viral creams (Zovirax, Virasolve etc) while pregnant.

[Keira]

Hi Gabysmum,

There's an amino acid called L-Lysine which cuts the severity of an outbreak and its also a preventative for further outbreaks, and its safe during pregnancy. (Blackmores and other similar vitamin companies all make L-Lysine capsules)

Otherwise there's Zovirax and Famvir tablets (need a prescription for both) and they're in the B1 category of safe things to take during pregnancy... so they should be ok i think... anything over A, B, B1 categories they say to think twice and does the problem itself outway the risks for taking it whilst pregnant.