What should I do if I have cold sores during pregnancy?
Pregnant lip herpes can be treated with an ointment containing an anti-viral agent, just like herpes that occurs independently of pregnancy. The ointment is applied directly to the affected area and only works there. There is no influence on the baby through the therapy.
Even if the active substance is taken in tablet form, there is no risk of pregnancy or maldevelopment of the child. However, lip herpes in pregnancy usually heals within a few days even without treatment or by using household remedies. However, therapy with an ointment containing active ingredients can alleviate the symptoms and accelerate the healing process.
In the case of lip herpes in pregnancy, treatment with medication may be useful. The active ingredient of choice is called acyclovir. It is a so-called antiviral, i.e. a drug that slows down the reproduction cycle of the herpes viruses responsible for the disease.
Aciclovir can also be given during pregnancy and there is sufficient experience showing that it does not have a negative influence on the growing child. In addition, acyclovir is usually administered in the form of an ointment for lip herpes, which in any case only works locally. The use of the drug is particularly useful in the early stages of a herpes outbreak. In later phases the healing process is only slightly influenced and healing usually occurs without the use of a drug.
- Creams against lip herpes
- Zovirax® during pregnancy
- Aciclovir
How long does lip herpes last during pregnancy?
Lip herpes in pregnancy usually lasts for a few days to a few weeks.Different stages are passed through in the process. If lip herpes persists for several weeks during pregnancy or if new blisters keep appearing, you should consult your gynecologist or family doctor.
- At first the skin reddens and the typical grouped standing vesicles form.
- These burst open after some time. In this phase the danger of infection is highest.
- Afterwards, the affected skin areas become encrusted and heal, which may take several days.
