Cold sores in children are a very common ailment. Cold sores are the blistering spots that appear in the area of nose and mouth or lips. Sometimes cold sores also appear on the roof of mouth. Cold sores are also known as fever blisters.

Causes of Cold Sores In Children

Cold sores in children are a contiguous infection and the infection can pass through physical contact with the person who already has this infection. The infection of virus passes on in saliva and affects the healthy person. Cold sore in children is caused by the HSV-1(herpes simplex virus type 1).

It is seen that most children get cold sores by sharing the food or kissing the individuals who already have cold sore. It is not always necessary that the sores will be visible in the individual suffering from cold sore. Invisible cold sore can also pass infection to the healthy children. Once the virus of cold sore enters the body of the children it hides itself in the cells of the nerve near the ear.

The viruses do not always cause harm to the children. In some cases the viruses of cold sore enter into the body of the children and remain dormant without causing any harm in the child but in some other cases it wakes up from time to time and causes cold sore. However it is not fully known and understood what actually causes the viruses of cold sore to wake up but it is seen that colds, fever, stress, the UV rays and sunburn encourages the virus to trigger cold sore.

Symptoms of Cold Sore In Children

Children do not develop cold sore as soon as the virus of cold sore enter into their body. At the primary stage the symptom of cold sore may remain symptom less. But as the infection of cold sore in children spreads it may be characterized by high fever and extensive wounds on the lips, palate, gums and tongues. Apart from this, a child may also experience gingivostomatitis where one has swollen gums and mouth.

Children suffering from cold sore may also experience a tingling sensation for several hours before the appearance of the blisters on the skin. After this a small inflamed mark appears on the skin. This mark may be quite itchy in its initial stage. The mark slowly gets converted into a blister and it lasts for about 10 days.

Cold sores in children is a common malaise but the occurrence of cold sores reduces as a child grows old. This is because most of the adults have antibodies that can fight against the viruses of cold sore.

Prevention

One of the most effective way by which one can prevent cold sores in children is by keeping them away from the person who is suffering from cold sores. One should avoid kissing a child if he has cold sore. However, if the mother of a newborn baby is suffering from a cold sore then there is no need to separate her baby from herself. One can avoid the spread this disease by washing her hands frequently and by maintaining personal hygiene.

Unfortunately if the child gets the virus of cold sore then the mother should ensure that his child has a strong immune system. Providing the child with healthy diet can enhance the function of immune system, guiding him to do regular exercise and allowing him to have sufficient sleep.

Treatment of Cold Sore in Children

Though cold sores get cured automatically after some days but it is better to treat to the cold sore to avoid the uncomfortable feeling. To reduce the pain of cold sore in children ice can be applied on the sore. Mild pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used to reduce the pain. Salty, spicy and sour food should not be given to the children as it can irritate the raw nerve of the sore. Zinc ointment with water can also help in healing the sore.

Cold sore in children is very painful and so the children should be treated very carefully. Proper measures should be taken to avoid the spread of this infection. Proper ointment and medicines should also be provided to the child to reduce the discomfort.

Post your Comments below

Comments

Name

Comment

Please enter the text you see in the image below in the appropriate input box.