Oral herpes is one of the most common viral diseases of childhood.
This condition produces sores ("cold sores"), blisters
("fever-blisters"), and swelling of the inside of the mouth and lips.
(When most people hear the word herpes, they associate it with genital
herpes, the sexually transmitted disease; however, it is a different
type of this virus that usually causes cold sores in children.) Oral
herpes is highly contagious and is spread by direct contact,
frequently by kissing. Most infants are protected by their mothers'
antibodies up to about age 6 months, but they become susceptible after
that.
When the virus is transmitted to a child for the first time, she is
said to have "primary herpes." This may cause pain, swelling and
reddening of the gums, and an increase in saliva, followed a day or
two later by blisters inside the mouth. When the blisters break, they
leave sore areas that take several days to heal. The child may develop
a mild fever and headaches, act irritably, lose her appetite and have
swollen lymph glands for a week or so. Many children, however, have
such mild symptoms that no one realizes they have the virus.
Secondary Herpes
Unfortunately, once a child has had primary herpes, she becomes
a carrier of the virus. This means that the virus, usually in an
inactive state, remains within her system. However, during episodes of
stress (including other infections), injury to the mouth, sunburn,
allergies and fatigue, the virus can become reactivated, producing
what's called "secondary herpes." This is a condition similar to but
generally milder than the primary infection and usually doesn't occur
until later in childhood or adulthood.
Treatment of Herpes
If your child complains of symptoms resembling those of herpes,
consult your pediatrician. Primary herpes is not a serious illness,
but it can make your child uncomfortable. The treatment that should be
aimed at reducing this discomfort includes:
-
Bed rest and sleep
-
Plenty of cold fluids, including
non-acidic drinks, such as apple or apricot juice
-
Acetaminophen, if fever or excessive
discomfort is present
-
Mouth rinse or gargles prescribed by
your pediatrician. These medications may contain a painkiller that
will numb the areas affected by the mouth sores. Carefully follow
the directions for use of these preparations.
-
Soft, bland but nutritious diet
An infection with primary herpes can occasionally result in a child
being hospitalized because of dehydration.
Never use any creams or ointments containing steroids (cortisone)
if there is the slightest suspicion that the mouth sores are due to
herpes. These preparations can make the viral infection spread.
Prevention
Direct contact is required to spread the herpes virus, so you
should not let anyone with herpes blisters or sores kiss your child.
Also, try to discourage your child from sharing eating utensils with
other children. (This is more easily said than done.) If your child
has primary herpes, keep her home to prevent other children from
getting this infection from her.
