Can You Have Kids With Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are sores in the mouth area caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). Children can get cold sores, and they get them in the same way that adults do--through physical contact with an infected person. Overall, the symptoms, triggers and treatment of cold sores is similar for children and adults.

Causes

• Despite its name, a cold sore is caused by HSV, not a cold or fever. Cold sores are contagious, and the most typical way that a child gets a cold sore is from an infected parent, sibling, relative or other child. Once the virus is in your child's body, it is always there even though he may not have active symptoms.

Symptoms

• Cold sores typically occur on the lips, but they can also occur on the chin, cheeks and nostrils. Occasionally a cold sore can occur inside the mouth.

  A cold sore begins with a feeling of tingling or numbness. This can happen several days in advance of the actual sore. For young children, the first symptoms may be swollen gums or a sore feeling in the mouth.

  The sore itself begins as a red area that forms a small blister or cluster of blisters. Occasionally, the blisters are accompanied by fever and swollen lymph glands. The blister may spread, break, and ooze. A yellow crust then forms and finally comes off, leaving smooth pink skin underneath. The entire process typically lasts seven to 10 days.

Treatment

• A cold sore will usually go away on its own and does not require treatment. However, treatments can lessen the severity and duration of symptoms. If other symptoms occur, you should consult your pediatrician to evaluate for a secondary infection or condition.

  Treatments appropriate for children include a cool washcloth applied to the area several times a day, ibuprofen and avoiding foods with high acidity such as citrus fruits and tomato. Older children can use nonprescription ointments such as Abreva. For younger children, you can use Orajel and Anbesol to numb the lips.

Triggers

• Once your child has had a cold sore, he is prone to get more cold sores. Certain things can trigger an outbreak, including stress, sun, trauma and getting sick.

Prevention

• A primary way to prevent cold sores is to avoid triggers. For children, this means eating well, getting enough rest and using sunblock on the lips. In addition, regularly disinfect toys that kids share.

  To prevent spreading a cold sore that your child has, teach your child to not touch the cold sore and to wash his hands frequently. If your child's cold sore is open or weeping, you should keep him home from school until it has begun to heal. When applying topical ointment for your child, be sure to use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.