It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of any medication you take during pregnancy. This is especially true for Abreva, a topical treatment for cold sores. Cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, are caused by the herpes simplex virus. During pregnancy, the virus can be passed from mother to baby at birth, potentially causing serious complications. While it is important to treat cold sores to prevent the spread of the virus, it is crucial to ensure that the treatment is safe for both the mother and baby. In this blog post, we will discuss whether it is safe to use Abreva while pregnant. We will also explore potential alternatives for treating cold sores.
How Can I Ease the Pain of a Cold Sore?
Cold sore swelling can be reduced by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, two over-the-counter painkillers. Creams containing local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, block nerve signals temporarily to numb pain and stop itching and irritation.
Alternately, apply an icepack covered with a thin cloth or a cold, wet washcloth to the area for up to 20 minutes to reduce swelling, pain, and itching. ii.
Natural treatments for cold sores like lysine, lemon juice, acetone, or witch hazel are not supported by scientific research. Some, like ice, may offer temporary relief, but they won’t heal a cold sore. Instead, choose a treatment that is backed by scientific data, like Abreva® Cream. It has the sole non-prescription component recognized by the FDA as reducing the length of a cold sore. vi.
From the moment you experience the recognizable tingle, itch, or burn until the sore has completely healed, cold sores are contagious. Even without a blister, the virus can still spread during this time. The most contagious time, however, is when the blisters burst. vii.
The infection from a cold sore can spread to other areas of your body or to other people. Breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, such as the moist surface of your mouth, eyes, or genitalia, allow cold sores to spread. Additionally, it can be transmitted to others through saliva or skin-to-skin contact. Most people contract HSV-1, the form of the herpes simplex virus that is responsible for the majority of cold sores, when they are young through a kiss from an infected person. vii.
The really good news is that your developing child won’t likely be affected by an oral herpes outbreak if you already have the cold sore virus and get it while pregnant.
Pregnancy-related cold sores are not unheard of, and they typically have no effect on your developing baby. So first, let out a deep sigh of relief. Continue reading because there are still crucial details about cold sores that you should be aware of if you’re expecting.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the virus that causes cold sores. HSV-1, one of the two types of HSV, typically causes cold sores, whereas HSV-2 exposure typically results in genital herpes. HSV-1 sores have occasionally been discovered in the genitals and vice versa.
The highest risk scenario is if you get HSV for the first time during your third trimester of pregnancy.
The virus that causes cold sores (oral herpes) stays in your body for the rest of your life; it just isn’t active unless you are currently experiencing an outbreak.
How Can I Avoid Spreading Cold Sores?
In order to prevent the virus from infecting other areas of your body or other people:
FAQ
Can Abreva be used in pregnancy?
Can you use cold sore ointment when pregnant?
What if I get a cold sore while pregnant?
Can pregnancy trigger cold sores?