Kids cold sore
Cold sores or fever blisters are common in children, affecting thousands of kids each year. Cold sores, also called fever blisters. They're caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Kids often feel the tingling before you can see the sore. Cold sores are small and painful blisters that can appear around the mouth, face, or nose.
Many kids get infected with HSV-1 during the preschool years. Kids can get cold sores by kissing or sharing eating utensils with an infected person The sores usually go away on their own within about a week.
You need to know:
-
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
-
Cold sores are very contagious, especially in the first 2 or 3 days after an outbreak.
-
The herpes virus can cause serious infections in newborns, be sure to keep your newborn baby away from anyone with a cold sore.
-
Herpes skin infections in high school wrestlers is called herpes gladiatorum.
-
Cold sores can be especially serious if they are located near the eye.
Call the doctor if your child:
-
has another health condition that has weakened the immune system, which could allow the HSV infection to spread and cause problems in other parts of the body
-
has sores that don't heal by themselves within 7 to 10 days
-
has any sores near the eyes
-
gets cold sores frequently
If you're caring for a child with a cold sore, you also should be diligent about washing your hands frequently so that you don't contract the virus or spread it to others.
|
