Cold sores?

sherry33
sherry33 Member Posts: 25
edited 7. Dec 2009, 15:13 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all you helpful people, seem to have ongoing problems with mouth ulcers, sore gums etc. but now have a new one to contend with - cold sores!!!
Have never had cold sores before in my life, (am in my thirties) but got one a couple of weeks ago, then another and now have three and first one has still not healed up!! I have RA and take MX, sulfa, hydroxy, naproxen and folic acid, I haven't had my drugs changed for about six months. Anyone any helpful advice or ideas or even any natural remedies or any help at all?!
Thank you so much!

Comments

  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I've always had a problem with these; I'm also on MTX (amongst others), and lately I've had to get the doctor to prescribe Zovirax for me. I tend to get them inside my nose which is sooooo painful. Zovirax works very well for me. The prescription version is stronger than the OTC one.

    Annie
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think I read somewhere that MTX can give you cold sores but don't quote me on that! Zovirax is good, make sure you apply it as soon as you feel it coming on to nip it in the bud.
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, My Mum used to suffer badly with cold sores. I think that they are a virus, a type of herpes and they often flare up when you are physically low, so if you have something that lowers your immune system, it seems logical that you are more likely to get cold sores! Thats my therory, but I may well be wrong. love Sue
  • sherry33
    sherry33 Member Posts: 25
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your replies, I guess it all makes sense really our immune systems are not what they're supposed to be, I just wondered why I had suddenly started to get cold sores and three in two weeks!! Arthur has a lot to answer for!! Think I may need shares in Zovirax if this is a going to be a regular thing, I guess I'll have to mention it next time I see a gp or go to hospital and try to get it on prescription along with everything else!! :D