Stress, no sleep, and Herpes?!?!

[akichan]

I think I have a cold sore on the corner of my mouth. I got it for the first and only other time when I was about 6 weeks pp with DS1, 3.5 years ago.

Dr. and internet research says it was from stress and lack of sleep. Anyone else have flareups after birth? Any natural remedies? Dr. prescribed Denavir, but it's $30 for a miniscule tube and I don't have any left from the last infection so ideas for less $ treatment welcome!

[NaturalMindedMomma]

Stress and lack of sleep can cause a flare up. What stage is it in? Itchy/red? Crusty? Oozy?

If it is itchy/red, ice it immediatly and as long as possible

Crusty- try vaseline or vitamin E oil and KEEP IT MOIST

If it's in the oozy stage, leave it alone, that is when it is most contagious. Treat it when it crusts.

[musiclady]

that will surely cause it.

i had 3 while i was preggo. and the stress of "surprise, you're not going to be pregnant much longer and you'll have to leave your babuy at the hospital- no, wait- let's go to the medical university in an ambulance because we can't really treat all the possible contingencies- your baby is too little" was enough to trigger one ON DELIVERY DAY! couldn't even kiss my husband.

the abreva stuff is OTC. it's ok. What I found that works best is Zovirax. Comes in a generic- acyclovir. If it's just appearing, the pills keep it from going full blown- shorter healing time. it also comes in a cream, but i prefer the pills and a good lip moisterizer (throw away after healed).

my experience has been that it is very contagious at all stages. mine have never oozed-

oh and acyclovir is safe during pregnancy, so i assume also for nursing moms.

the generic is not $$ and you can get it with any dr. Rx- i even have it filled at walmart.

PAK