Abreva is an ointment that contains an active ingredient called Docosanol. This medication is approved by the FDA as a safe treatment for cold sores.
As a cold sore is a type of viral infection, it requires an antiviral drug that can eliminate the source of infection. This condition is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 which can be easily controlled by the Docosanol ingredient in the ointment.
When this condition arises, this active ingredient not only inhibits the further progression of the virus, but it also protects the body’s healthy cells from getting the infection.
Abreva is a commonly prescribed medicine for cold sores. But you might be wondering if it’s safe to apply when you are pregnant. As cold sores mostly take place on the lips and inside the mouth, you can ingest this product in your system unintentionally.
And as we all know, there are a lot of substances that can be considered harmful to pregnant women.
Can I Use Abreva While Pregnant? Answer: Yes.
Yes, you can use Abreva to treat your cold sores if your doctor gives you the go ahead to use it.
Although this topical ointment is generally considered to be safe, it is still important to seek your doctor’s approval, as you might be having a pregnancy case that’s overly sensitive.
Only your doctor knows which types of medicines and procedures are safe for you, because your medical history and general state of health are to be considered. The Abreva packaging also stresses the importance of consulting your doctor before using the medication, because it can interact with some other existing health issues.
Other Remedies for Cold Sores
Putting an ice pack on your cold sores can greatly reduce the swelling and discomfort from the condition. You can also apply some rubbing alcohol on the sores, but this procedure can really sting. If you want a less painful disinfectant, you can apply hydrogen peroxide on the affected areas, and this will also aid in the healing process.
Baby’s Safety and Cold Sore Infections
Having cold sores doesn’t typically present any risk to a developing fetus. The condition can be safely treated by topical ointments like Abreva, and the symptoms can disappear in just a few days. However, there are rare cases when the virus from the Herpes Simples Virus type 1 can travel from the mother to the baby. And when this happens, the baby can be infected by the virus too. If you have been affected by cold sores while you were pregnant, you should be observant with your newborn baby.
If you notice that blisters are starting to appear on the child’s arms, legs, and body, you should consult a doctor right away. Twitching and crying are also signs of discomfort, and your baby can have seizures if the cold sore virus has indeed made its way to the child’s system.
Proper Application of Abreva
The Abreva topical ointment can be applied up to 5 times a day until the condition clears up (usually within 10 days). You can also ask your doctor for any specific instructions or special dosage that’s more suitable to your condition. In order to apply the ointment evenly on your cold sores, you can either use a Q-tip or your finger tip.
Just make sure that you wash your hands before and after the application, as this condition is highly contagious. The Abreva cream can also be applied even before the sores start to appear on your lips and mouth. If you sense its upcoming outbreak, you can immediately apply the treatment on the affected areas, so as to provide an early treatment for the problem.
By rubbing a thin application of the substance on the surface areas of the mouth, it can penetrate the skin to eliminate the cause of infection before the disease has a chance to spread.
Safety Issues
Because the Abreva treatment cream is generally safe even for pregnant mothers, it is highly recommended in treating cold sores. This type of outbreak is not only ugly to look at, but the accompanying pain and discomfort also makes pregnancy more uncomfortable.
If you are prone to the condition, it would be wise to keep the ointment handy in your medicine cabinet. Early application of this cream can effectively control the situation, and provide you relief from the swelling and throbbing pain.
