IBD and cold sores??

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

Just curious if anyone has seen a correlation between flares and cold sores?? I'm currently undiagnosed, but this is the second time I've had a severe increase in GI symptoms and then popped up with an insane amount of what look and feel like cold sores yet they don't seem to respond to my RX cold sore cream. Anyone else or am I just weird?

 

[theOcean]

There's a correlation, yes. With Crohn's you're more prone to cold sores/canker sores.

 

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

These things suck bad enough on their own lol since the GI mess really kicked into gear when I get them now I get them not one or two but by the bunches -.- I've also had a fever that doesn't respond to Tylenol and BURNING aggressive diarrhea for two days now...I have a feeling things are about to get interesting lol

 

[theOcean]

Aw! I'm sorry to hear that. For me it was prednisone giving me cystic acne, which was also awful since it was all over my face. :/

I remember your post about the fever! After the weekend you're going to try and get in touch with your doctor about that, right?

 

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

Yea definitely calling the GI Monday now that the diarrhea is so bad AND the fever. And I'm pretty sure there's blood now.

 

[valleysangel92]

I'm sorry you're struggling with cold sores, they are awful aren't they.

The last time I had a lot of ulcers and coldsores, I had to get some tablets from my GP.

A bit of an old wives tale, but it does work for me - toothpaste. Gently put a little on the sores and leave it over night. It should dry out and take the sore with it when you take it off in the morning.

Make sure you get in touch with your doctor about your current symptoms as soon as you can after the weekend.

 

[Kero]

I am currently undiagnosed, but been having GI issues for about 10 months now. And I hadn't had a cold sore in years. I have had 3 break outs of them in the last 10 months. I would think it's probably the stress your body is under brings them about. I feel for you. Prescriptions and OTC remedies don't help me either

 

[CrohnsChicago]

This is how I have started off my flares to date along with puffy, bleeding gums. It definitely means some sort of inflammation is happening in your body whether it is localized in the mouth or somewhere else in the body like your intestines.

It's not until I treat the crohn's that it goes away.

Definitely get in to see a dentist and notify your GI about it just in case he wants to investigate some more including investigating your blood work in more detail like getting your CRP levels and whatnot.

In the meantime keep your mouth clean to reduce their spreading. I frequently use mouthwash or gargle with salt when this happens to reduce bacteria in the mouth. I think there are mouthwashes that specifically treat canker sores as well.

Dabbing peroxide on the affected area is helpful too in treating any existing sores.