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Can Carmex Or Blistex Be Used For Cold Sores During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: Can i use Carmex or Blistex for cold sores when pregnant?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes- there are no over-the-counter topical mediations that are unsafe

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

For the most part, any medications that you apply only to your skin and/or mucous membranes are safe to use during pregnancy, with the exception of some retinol products that can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.

Blistex and Carmex mainly contain menthol and soothing ingredients and are not actually medications at all. So there is no reason to be concerned with using them while pregnant.

Cold sores are actually caused by Herpes Labialis, or Type 1 Herpes. Labial Herpes cannot cause problems during pregnancy, but it can be spread to a newborn baby through kissing. Because newborn infants have no immunity to the cold sore virus, they can become very sick if they become infected.

So if you get frequent cold sores and are close to delivery, you should discuss with your obstetrician of whether they recommend taking systemic (meaning pills) anti-Herpes medication to prevent your having a cold sore during the neonatal period.

But otherwise, during pregnancy having a cold sore itself and over-the-counter lip treatments are not harmful.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful and reassuring. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy,

Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (23 hours later)
Thank you for the detailed answer. May icasj another question?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You may, but if it is not related to this query you should start another

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

As I am an OBGYN specialist, you may ask another question related to this query or about pregnancy related issues. But if it is about something else, you should go back to the primary portal at healthcaremagic.com

You also have the choice to direct future questions directly to me through thw website as well.

If you are finished with this question, kindly close the thread and post a rating if you are satisfied with my services at healthcaremagic.com

Thank you,

Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (5 minutes later)
I was just curious as to dry skin during pregnancy. I have dry and sensitive skin anyway but isbit normal to be worse when pregnant?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes- it is typical to have skin conditions worsen while pregnant

Detailed Answer:
Most women develop more sensitive skin during pregnancy, and skin conditions like eczema do typically worsen during pregnancy. Pregnancy also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is especially important to be careful in XXXXXXX weather and to apply sunscreen regularly. You should also take care to use products that are free from perfumes and are designed for sensitive skin.

Any over-the-counter products used to treat minor skin conditions that you apply topically are safe to use during pregnancy- including lotions, creams, and additives to your bath water. Cocoa butter is a very good natural moisturizer, and oatmeal products (such as Aveeno) are very good for soothing dry, itchy skin. Using a humidifier during the wintertime also can help reduce moisture loss from your skin.

Again I hope this answers your question, and i wish you the best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Regards,

Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Jacqueline Brown

OBGYN

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 1425 Questions

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Can Carmex Or Blistex Be Used For Cold Sores During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Yes- there are no over-the-counter topical mediations that are unsafe Detailed Answer: Hello, and I hope I can help you today. For the most part, any medications that you apply only to your skin and/or mucous membranes are safe to use during pregnancy, with the exception of some retinol products that can only be prescribed by a dermatologist. Blistex and Carmex mainly contain menthol and soothing ingredients and are not actually medications at all. So there is no reason to be concerned with using them while pregnant. Cold sores are actually caused by Herpes Labialis, or Type 1 Herpes. Labial Herpes cannot cause problems during pregnancy, but it can be spread to a newborn baby through kissing. Because newborn infants have no immunity to the cold sore virus, they can become very sick if they become infected. So if you get frequent cold sores and are close to delivery, you should discuss with your obstetrician of whether they recommend taking systemic (meaning pills) anti-Herpes medication to prevent your having a cold sore during the neonatal period. But otherwise, during pregnancy having a cold sore itself and over-the-counter lip treatments are not harmful. I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful and reassuring. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy, Dr. Brown