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How to Treat Cold Sores on Babies

It is rare for babies under the age of six months to have cold sores because of the antibodies passed to them through their mothers. However, it is common for young children to come in contact with the virus that causes cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus lies dormant in many children, but can cause cold sores to periodically appear in others. It is contagious and commonly spread through direct contact with a sore or saliva. Although there is no cure, steps can be taken to ease the discomfort and help prevent flare-ups. Cold sores go away on their own after about three weeks and usually are not dangerous.

Things You'll Need

  • Ice
  • Live culture yogurt
  • Over-the-counter cream
  • Prescription drugs (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Ease Discomfort

    • 1

      Call the doctor immediately at the first sign of any sore if baby is three months of age or younger. In young babies the virus can possibly spread to other organs. For older babies call the doctor if baby displays any other signs of illness along with the sore.

    • 2

      Apply ice to the sore. Do so when a sore first starts to form for about five minutes every half hour for the first few hours. According to the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, some people have found that this helps minimize the growth and duration of the sore.

    • 3

      Try feeding your baby plain yogurt with live cultures if he is developmentally ready for this solid food. Yogurt with live cultures contains acidophilus, which has antibiotic properties.

    • 4

      Use an over-the-counter ointment such as docosanol for cold sores. Do not use cortisone as it is steroid-based and can cause thinning of skin with prolonged use.

    • 5

      Consider giving her a dose of an infant pain reducer such as acetaminophen if you think it is causing pain. Consult with baby's doctor about the appropriate dose. Never give aspirin.

    • 6

      If your child frequently has painful cold sores, ask the doctor about prescribing antiviral drugs.

    • 7

      If he is having difficulty eating due to the cold sore, call your doctor.

    Prevention

    • 8

      Avoid the flare-ups by avoiding the possible triggers: sun, stress, teething, a cold or a fever.

    • 9

      Try to keep the infection from spreading. Do not let baby pick at the sore. Wash her hands regularly. It can be dangerous if it spreads to the eye, so try to keep baby from rubbing his eyes. Baby mittens can help.

    • 10

      Keep your baby away from anyone who has a cold sore.

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