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CHILD’S HEALTH/SKIN DISORDERS: COLD SORES
Cold sores are quite common in older children as well as in adults. Cause
Cold sores are due to the Herpes simplex virus, which lies dormant in the body until it is activated by illness, sunburn, exposure to strong winds, or stress and fatigue.
Clinical features
Your child may complain of an itching or tingling sensation around the mouth, lips or nose, and tiny blisters may appear soon after. These usually crust over in 2-3 days but can become quite painful and interfere with eating and drinking. Cold sores generally disappear after 7-10 days, although some children tend to have recurrent episodes several times a year.
Treatment
Simple cold sores usually clear up without specific treatment. If your child is miserable, some paracetamol in recommended doses, may help to ease the pain. In general, creams or ointments do not help speed up the disappearance of the cold sores. Encourage your child not to scratch the sores, and to avoid kissing other people.
When to see your doctor
• if the cold sores are weeping or starting to spread. This may indicate
secondary, or bacterial infection, and antibiotic treatment may be necessary;
• if your child has a fever in addition to cold sores and is generally unwell
• if you notice sores inside your child’s mouth. This may be due to an initial herpes infection;
• if the cold sores prevent your child from drinking fluids as this may lead to dehydration, especially in younger children.
Prevention
Cold sores are highly contagious, so avoid having your child kiss other people. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to strong winds.
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