Kids Cold Sores

Preventing and treating kids cold sores can help children deal with the painful blisters that appear around their mouths.

A cold compress may help numb a painful blister.

Cold sores (also known as fever blisters or oral herpes) are a form of herpes simplex virus, commonly type 1. They are characterized by a tingling or soreness around the mouth, followed by the appearance of a fluid-filled blister that scabs and eventually heals. Cold sores typically last approximately two weeks from onset to healing.

The National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health identifies five stages to cold sores:

1. Tingling or Prodome Stage: Swelling, soreness or tingling of the area where a cold sore will appear occurs. This is the best time to treat cold sores.
2. Blister Stage: A fluid filled blister appears; sometimes clusters of small ones form a large blister. Do not squeeze blisters.
3. Weeping Stage: This stage is the most contagious, as the oozing (weeping) liquid seeps out.
4. Scabbing Stage: The first scab may break and cause itching and burning; a second scab will form that is much smaller.
5. Healing Stage: As long as the scab is left to heal on its own, no scarring should occur.

Pediatric Dental Health has found that the highest incident of initial infection occurs before the age of three, so it is important to learn how to prevent the cold sores in children. By the time they are teens, over 60 percent of children will be infected with the virus, so learning to treat the cold sores can help keep your child comfortable if s/he becomes infected.

Preventing the transmission of herpes to children can be difficult, simply due to the large number of people infected with the virus. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent your child from contracting the disease:

• Wash hands frequently.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Do not allow children to kiss siblings, parents or grandparents who have an outbreak.
• Teach children to use their own utensils and towels.
• Keep children from sharing food and drinks.
• Disinfect any toys that can be placed into the mouth of a small child.

Even the most diligent parent or caretaker can find it hard to keep their child from becoming infected. Although the blister stage is the most contagious, the virus can be spread at any point of an outbreak, making it difficult to know when others are infected.

Once a person has been initially infected with the virus, it will lie dormant until a “trigger” occurs that will cause the virus to reappear. Avoiding triggers can help cut down on the amount of cold sores a child gets. To prevent a child who has aleady had an outbreak from a reoccurrence, try the following:

• Wash hands frequently.
• Wash all kitchen utensils and towels in extremely hot water.
• Use sunblock on the lips and face.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Try to avoid the cold and flu virus.

Washing kids’ hands is extremely important for preventing the spread and reoccurrence of the disease. Not only will it help with the number of outbreaks, but it can also keep it from spreading to the eyes or genitals. Though not common, it can spread to these areas of the body. Rare but serious complications, such as blindness, can occur.

If you suspect your child has been infected by herpes simplex virus type 1 in his or her eyes or genitals, make an appointment with your physician immediately.

Unfortunately no cure for cold sores exists. Treatments range from prescriptions to home remedies that help with pain. You can treat both the virus (making it shorter) and the symptoms (such as pain) through various methods.

Medication is one method for treatment. Anti-viral medications can be prescribed by a doctor to shorten the amount of time a child has to deal with an outbreak. Over-the-counter creams can also help ease symptoms. Creams like Abreva are effective for children over age 12; if your child is younger than that, speak with your doctor before administering it.

Pain reducing medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help ease discomfort during outbreaks. Aspirin should not be given to toddlers, as it can contribute to a rare disease called Reye’s Syndrome.

Avoid any dental health visits until the outbreak has cleared, to keep your child from passing the virus to any hygienists or dentists and to avoid pain during the appointment.

Applying cold compresses, eating bland foods and taking Vitamin C or lysine acid supplements are other ways people try to control cold sore outbreaks. As with any home remedy (especially supplements), consult with your doctor to find out if it is safe for your child.

Kids cold sores are preventable with careful diligence. But if your child does happen to get the herpes virus, you can help cut down on outbreaks and ease pain through various treatments.

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