Cold sores happen to be the small and painful blisters appearing around mouth, face, or nose. These are often referred to as fever blisters, and are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Kids get affected by sores when they kiss or share eating utensils with the infected person.
Occurrence of cold sores in mouth is very common and most kids get infected with the HSV-1 during their preschool years. They generally disappear on their own but it’s good to know some facts about cold sores so that you can easily cope with it.
Symptoms to look for
Cold sores first appear as blisters on the lips and within the mouth. These blisters then become sores. In few cases, gums get red and swollen while in a few, the virus even leads to fever, muscle pain, eating difficulties, ill feeling, bad temper, and swollen neck glands. These symptoms of cold sores last up to 2 weeks.
When the child gets infected by the virus initially, it stays dormant and doesn’t cause any symptom. It turns active after some kind of stress like any other infection, fever, sunlight, cold weather, etc.
Treatment
Cold sores caused due to HSV-1 generally go away in a week’s time. Though no medication can make this infection go away, there are some treatments available which cut down the length of outbreak and make cold sores less aching. Cool food types and drinks are known to relieve the discomfort. In some cases, acetaminophen can also be given to ease the pain. Avoid giving aspirin to kids with viral infections as the medicine has been associated with Reye syndrome.
When to call a doctor
As said, cold sores go away on own but you may have to seek a doctor’s help; if:
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Your child has any other health condition which has weakened the immune system. This can allow HSV infection to spread in the body
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Your child has sores that fail to heal within 7 to 10 days
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Your child has sores near the eyes
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Your child gets cold sores often
Precautions to take
This virus is very contagious and that’s why it’s vital to hold it from spreading to other family members. You must take the following precautions with kids having cold sores:
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Keep their drinking glasses, eating utensils, washcloths, and towels, separate.
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Teach them that they shouldn’t kiss anyone unless their sores heal.
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Make them habitual of washing their hands frequently and as soon they touch the area affected by cold sores.
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Make sure they don’t touch their eyes as it can lead to serious trouble if the virus infects the eyes.
When looking after a child with cold sores, you should also ensure to wash your hands frequently and follow other precautionary measures!