Herpes Simplex Treatment in Children

Herpes simplex is a virus that affects individuals, regardless of age or sex. During a herpes simplex 1 outbreak, what are known as oral herpes, cold sores or fever blisters are a common symptom and the primary means through which the virus is spread. Rarely, infants and children may experience a herpes simplex 2 outbreak, in which case they may develop sores on their genitals.
During an outbreak, red, swollen regions around the mouth, nose, hands, fingers or genitals appears. These sores may break open and ooze a clear fluid. The sores usually heal on their own in seven to ten days.

Cause

• Children usually contract the herpes simplex 1 virus from coming into contact with another individual who has the virus and is experiencing an outbreak where sores have appeared on their body. Such contact may include kissing or eating from the same utensils.
  If a child has herpes simplex 2, which has exhibited itself as sores on the child's genitals, the child probably contracted the sores during birth from their mother who had contracted herpes simplex 2. The sores can also be contracted via sexual contact, or by spreading the virus from a cold sore to the genitals. If sores have appeared on the child's genitals, it is essential she visit a physician.
  Symptoms of the herpes symplex virus include:
  pain or tingling around the mouth
  feeling a hard bump around the mouth a few days before a sore appears
  swollen glands
  sore throat
  fever
  drooling

Treatment

• A child who has contracted the herpes simplex virus should be treated by a physician. The sores that accompany an outbreak can be painful and are an easy way for the virus to be spread. A physician can provide antivirals (such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) or Valacyclovir (Valtrex) that can assist in treating the current outbreak or preventing future ones. A doctor can provide a prescription for creams, such as docosanol or Penciclovir.
  During an outbreak, over-the-counter ointments, such as topical lidocaine or benzyl alcohol, can ease the pain. Carmex can also ease pain and facilitate healing.
  Children can also be given acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease any discomfort they feel. Warm and cold compresses are also useful in easing pain.
  A child with an outbreak should not pick at, pinch or peel the cold sore--this will lengthen the healing process and may spread the virus.

Prevention

• Herpes simplex 1 is one of the most common viruses among children. By adulthood, most people have contracted the virus, though not everyone experiences an outbreak. If a child does have herpes simplex 1 or 2, she can avoid outbreaks by:
  getting plenty of rest
  avoiding stress
  during an outbreak, do not allow kissing or other bodily contact with others
  do not share personal items like chap stick, sunscreen, washcloth or a toothbrush
  do not share eating utensils or cups
  wash hands frequently
  avoid touching the outbreak region, especially avoid touching the outbreak region and then other parts of the body
  use sunscreen as the sun can cause an outbreak
  Visit with the health care provider to discuss other prevention options, such as antivirals.