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Herpes Simplex 1 in Children

HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores, is contracted commonly and easily in childhood. In fact, HSV-1 is one of the most common human infections, and most people have developed antibodies to oral herpes by the time they are adults. HSV-1 may cause extra complications in child, but treatment is available and effective.

  1. Routes of Transmission

    • HSV-1 can be transmitted either in the presence or absence of an outbreak; even when there are no cold sores, a process called asymptomatic viral shedding allows the virus to spread through contact with the skin in affected areas. Pediatric Dental Health (see Reference 1) reports that the most common ways for children to contract HSV-1 include kissing an infected person, sharing utensils or a toothbrush with an infected person, and playing with or putting the mouth on toys that have been shared with an infected child.

    Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis

    • When children develop symptoms after primary infection, the first stage is called primary herpetic gingivostomatitis. As in other herpetic infections, the first outbreak is often the worst. Children may experience blisters of the tongue and palate and pain and reddening of the gums. One of the complications of gingivostomatitis is dehydration, which is caused by a child not wanting to drink due to mouth pain. According to Herpes Guide (Reference 2), children may also develop a sore throat, be irritable, and develop swollen glands and fever.

    Effects

    • HSV-1 remains dormant between outbreaks. Just as do adults, children will experience herpes prodrome, a burning or tingling in sensation where the cold sore will develop before it occurs. Blisters occur in clusters and then ulcerate, eventually crusting over and becoming yellow. Children may also develop sores inside the mouth as well as swelling of the gums may occur.

    Complications

    • HSV-1 has been linked to erythema multiforme, another type of skin rash. Children with oral herpes can infect their own fingers through sucking; this is called herpetic whitlow. Children may also infect their eyes and eyelids through rubbing. Bell's palsy and, rarely, encephalitis, a potentially deadly infection by herpes of the brain can occur, according to Herpes Guide.

    Treatment

    • Cold sores clear up on their own, and, according to Keep Kids Healthy (see Reference 3), most children do not require treatment. The primary treatment for children with HSV-1 is acyclovir, an antiviral drug. Keep Kids Healthy reports that another antiviral, foscarnet, may also be used.

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