An Overview of Herpes Virus in Children

Herpes Simplex is a virus infection of the skin that usually occurs around the lips. With young children, the herpes simplex virus commonly causes blister-like sores in the mouth and around the lips. Sometimes the sores will be seen on a thumb or finger that has been used for sucking in the mouth.

Signs and Symptoms
Children usually do not get cold sores as frequently as adults, but they sometimes deal with worse symptoms, such as:

-Fever
-Irritability
-Painful blisters in the mouth or lips that are fluid-filled
-Blisters that weep fluid and sometimes bleed
-Slow healing sores
-Tender, swollen lymph nodes

Most cases of herpes simplex in children follow upper respiratory infections, gastro-intestinal illnesses, exposure to the sun, and by kissing or contact with open sores from another person. Children in childcare centers can contact the herpes simplex virus by coming into contact with saliva of an infected child by mouthing toys at the school.

The incubation period is anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. Once the sores have developed, children can be contagious for a while. During a child's first outbreak they can carry (or shed) the virus for at least a week and sometimes up to several weeks. After the first episode, the virus remains dormant, but can reactivate from time to time producing new sores.

Treatment

Most doctors treat the discomfort of this herpes simplex virus and try to prevent secondary infections from occurring. If the virus is severe antiviral medication is prescribed. Home remedies include cool compresses to combat the pain and soothing creams can be applied in accordance with your doctor's permission. Some physicians may allow acetaminophen for the pain and/or fever. If a secondary infection appears, the use of an antibiotic ointment may be ordered.

Prevention Control

Here are the best methods in a family or school situation to prevent the spread of the herpes simplex virus.

Make sure to use good hand washing hygiene

Avoid kissing when a child or adult has a sore present

Do not share food or drinks

Avoid contact with toys that have been mouthed by other children

Use clean towels and do not share towels with a person who has a sore

Tell children not to touch the sores

Do not send a child back to school or playgroups with other children until the sores have crusted over and healed.

Even though the herpes virus in children is uncomfortable, it is usually not life threatening and will run it's course in a short period of time.

References:

Healthy Children by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Cold Sores - Childhood Infections