Can you use cold sore cream when pregnant?

As a woman, pregnancy brings with it an entirely new set of rules and protocols that one must live by. When something as small as taking medication becomes a major concern during pregnancy, it is understandable to have questions about using seemingly benign products like cold sore cream. In this article, we will discuss the risks and benefits of using cold sore cream while pregnant.

What are Cold Sores?

Before delving into whether or not it’s safe to use cold sore creams during pregnancy, let’s first understand what are cold sores? Cold sores also known as fever blisters are small blister-like lesions that occur on your lips or around your mouth area caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSVs – type 1 which usually causes oral herpes and type 2 which causes genital herpes.

Why do people get Cold Sores?

There can be several reasons why someone may develop a cold sore:
– Following exposure to sun
– Emotional stress
– Hormonal fluctuations such as during menstruation
– Weakened immune system

Is It Safe To Use Cold Sore Cream During Pregnancy?

If you’re expecting or planning to conceive, you might want to exercise caution before reaching for any medicated products — including topical treatments for pesky lip blemishes.

Treating Cold During Pregnancy

Cold sores tend to heal themselves within two weeks without any scarring whatsoever! That being said nothing wrong in trying out some home remedies before resorting towards topical medicines.

Home Remedies:

Some effective home remedies include:
Pressing a warm tea bag against the affected region.
Applying witch hazel directly onto an outbreak.
Cleaning the lesion with hydrogen peroxide solution

While many herbal/home remedies may bring temporary relief but there is no scientific research behind them yet they surely can act as possible alternatives possibly less invasive and less expensive.

Risk vs Reward: The Safety of Using Cold Sore Cream While Pregnant

Pregnancy is an exhilarating time filled with anticipation, joy, and constant worry. Can I eat this? Should I take that medicine? Is it safe to apply this product on my skin? One common question many women ask during those nine months is whether or not they can use cold sore cream safely while pregnant.

What are the risks?

The major thing to be aware of when using any sort of medication during pregnancy is potential risk factors that could affect both mother and baby. When it comes to topical treatments like over-the-counter cold sore creams,FDA informs us there isn’t much research available on its effects on developing fetuses.

Furthermore, some cold-sore creams include Acyclovir (an antiviral drug) as a primary ingredient which may pass through your placenta membrane leading to undesired outcomes potentially involving neural tube defects.

Benefits:

On the other hand – Just because something hasn’t been extensively studied doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dangerous; lots of drugs/emollients remain widely used with little downside. Certain cold sore gels applying numbing agents such as lidocaine present in Orajel seem unobjectionable according American Pregnancy Association due to limited sensory availability (ref)

Alternatives

If you’re worried about using medicated products for dealing with cold sores when pregnant, There are few remedies that have lower chances introducing any kind risks than prescribed FDA drugs meant specifically for Lip Blemishes.

  • Increase your intake of vitamin C
  • Apply sunscreen consistently when outdoors
  • Try yoga, meditation or even indulge into skincare routines that physically soothe rather fight anti-virals(if possible)

Conclusion

Usually one would get conflicting information from various sources seeking guidance if she will be able use an emollient/moisturizer lip balm or pimple cream during pregnancy.It is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what’s safe, in conclusion the best course of action would be consulting a medical professional.

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