Looking in the mirror and seeing what you think could be the start of a cold sore is distressing. However, discovering a cold sore on your child can be even more upsetting for most parents.
Herpes simplex type 1, or HSV-1, is easily transmitted with oral contact and manifests as oral herpes, which is more commonly called a cold sore. If you think that your child might have a cold sore, keep reading to find out the answers to your pressing questions.
How can I know if my child has a cold sore?
Although oral herpes is not curable and will reside in the body for life, some people never show any symptoms. For most others, the primary infection, or the first outbreak, is typically the worst. Common symptoms and signs of an oral herpes outbreak in a child can include:
· Swollen lymph nodes
· Irritability
· Headache
· Sore throat
· Itchiness, swelling, pain, or a feeling of heat where the cold sore will erupt
· Fluid-filled blisters around the nostrils or lips
· A crusted sore
What can I do if my child is exposed to oral herpes?
Children under six months of age are more susceptible to developing cold sores and other symptoms associated with oral herpes as their immune system is not yet fully developed. Ideally, never allow anyone you do not know to kiss your baby and ensure anyone with an active cold sore has excellent hygiene. However, if your baby has been exposed to HSV-1 and has developed a fever, then be sure to raise the concerns with your health care provider right away.
How common are cold sores in children?
Studies have shown that the prevalence of HSV-1 is dropping in childhood, likely due to improved living conditions and general hygiene habits. However, did you know that 67% of the world’s population, or about 3.7 billion people, under age 50 have the HSV-1 infection?
The National Institutes of Health believes that around 90% of adults have been exposed to the virus. Contracting HSV-1 will be inevitable for many people, especially after becoming sexually active. Therefore, learning about transmission, hygiene, and coping strategies needs to be paramount from a young age.
How can I help my child suffering from a cold sore?
Felix Health Blog is an excellent source of information for family health care. Your child’s pediatrician may prescribe prescription antiviral medications; however, there are also home remedies that can help to alleviate the pain and itchiness of a cold sore. These include:
· An ice or a cold pack pressed on the infected area
· Aloe Vera on the infected area
· Using sunscreen to reduce outbreaks and protect a current flare-up
· Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen as directed by your healthcare provider
· Teaching stress management techniques
· Applying toothpaste containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate to the blister to dry it out
If you think that your child may have a cold sore, then it is best to speak to their pediatrician for medical advice. They can offer a definitive diagnosis and develop an ongoing care procedure. The health care provider will need to take either a blood test, biopsy, or virus culture to confirm the diagnosis of HSV-1 infection.
