Mommy has a cold sore :(

[lilempressmommy]

I woke up this morning to find a cold sore on my lip and hard palate! I'm scared that DD might have been exposed. She's still BF'ing (9 months old) and very attached. How do I get rid of it and make sure that she's NOT exposed? Think wearing a surgical mask will help? I've seen things that say to stay away from infants... this just won't work. Please help me, I'm panicked!!

[kiara7]

Whenever I feel one coming up, I take a couple tablets of L-Lysine for a couple days. Clears it right up. As for the baby, I would be extra cautious about touching lips, washing hands and not kissing.

Good Luck!

ETA: L-Lysine is an essential amino acid.

[columbusmomma]

I've suffered from cold sores since I was a teen. I nursed DS and am currently nursing DD, no problems ever as far as transmission. Ditto with DH not getting the virus from me and we've been together for over 15 years and have had closer contact then nursing!

[Arwyn]

I had a giant cold sore when Naked Baby was born, and still smooched him all over. Cold sores kind of suck, but I'm not sure why you'd be so worried about your daughter getting them. Odds are good she'll get them eventually.

[mamanurse]

I get cold sores a few times a year and have one currently while I'm nursing my 9 week old. I don't think it's a big deal in babies with a healthy immune system. Hand washing and no contact directly with your mouth and lip should prevent transmission to your babe. I'm pretty sure the worry with babes getting cold sores is when they're premies. Our NICU in the hospital has a sign that says to notify the receptionist if you're coming in the unit with a cold sore.

[Annie0]

I have a 4 month old and am constantly an high alert for cold sore break outs. I'm so sorry! It's an awful feeling when you fear that you've exposed your child! I take acyclovir when I feel one coming on. It is supposedly safe while BF. I hate to do it, but the thought of her having a cold sore...then rubbing her little hand in her eyes after touching it scares the heck out of me! Just be very conscientious about washing hands, applying ointments with a q-tip and no kissing at least until it scabs over. It sucks!! She should be getting some of your antibodies while BF which may help her fight off contracting it even if she has been exposed. So far my DD has been fine, and I've had the pre break out tingle a few times. I've been lucky enough to head them off with the acyclovir before full break out. I think the surgical mask might make you feel like she's more protected, but honestly, i think as long as you have good hygiene, it's probably unnecessary.
you can also get the acyclovir in a topical ointment if you're uncomfortable taking the med while BF, but I get such big horrible ones that i fear an outbreak, and i find it clears up SO much faster with it. I don't take the full dose...not sure if that's good or bad. Abreva works fairly well topically also. L-Lysine never did anyhting for me personally, but I know lots of people swear by it. Also, stay away from eating nuts (especially peanuts) as they make them worse. Good Luck!!!