Do you have a child that is constantly getting cold sores? This common condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus and can appear as a blister or lesion on the lip, mouth, or nose. Most cold sores will heal without any treatment within two weeks. However, there are some things that you can do to help speed up the healing process and make your child more comfortable.
The Common Symptoms of Cold Sores in Children
Pain
If your child complains of pain in the mouth, this could be a sign of a cold sore. This is because the herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, and the virus will make pain receptors more sensitive.
Swollen Glands or Blisters around Mouth
Another clue that your child might have a cold sore is swollen glands and blisters around the mouth. This is because cold sores in children might cause a child’s lymph nodes closest to their mouth to swell up.
Redness
Another sign of a cold sore on your child is redness of the skin in the area where they have it. When you have a cold sore, the virus will slow down the healing process, and the area around it may remain very red and irritated.
Fever
When your child has a high fever, this could be caused by an infection from a cold sore, particularly if your child has never had a cold sore before – the primary infection can be quite severe. Cold sores can cause fevers because they make it easier for other viruses to enter your body.
Mouth Sores
If your child says that their mouth hurts, this could indicate a cold sore starting to form. Sometimes children may have trouble swallowing and chewing due to the pain caused by the swollen lymph nodes around their throat.
How to Parents Can Help Their Children Treat Cold Sores
Now that your child is suffering from cold sores, how can you help them? Well, cold sore treatment for children doesn’t have to be complicated. Here is how you can help them.
Use a Washcloth to Apply Ice Cold Water
Using the back of a washcloth, wet it with ice-cold water and hold it against your child’s cold sore. You can do this for as long as they want, but doing it for 10 minutes at a time is usually best. This will help numb the area and make them more comfortable.
Use a Refrigerated Washcloth on the Cold Sore
Using a washcloth that has been in the refrigerator, gently wipe your child’s cold sore with it. This is very soothing and will soothe their pain.
Do not use this on children who are under one year of age. You can also use an ice pack, but make sure to use the washcloth instead if your child has a fever.
Apply Vapor Rub to Your Child’s Cold Sore
If your child is five years of age or older, you should apply vapor rub on their cold sore. You can do this 2-3 times a day to speed up the healing process. You should also cover it with a band-aid before going to bed. The vapor from the rub will help break down the virus and speed up the healing process.
Take Your Child’s Pain Medication as Directed by a Doctor
If your child has a fever, you should take their pain medication as directed by a doctor. Since cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, treating your child’s fever will also help with their cold sore symptoms.
Give Your Child Cold Sore Medicine
There are medications that you can buy to help relieve your child’s cold sore symptoms. You can buy them at your local grocery store or drugstore. Most of these medications are in the form of a drink that you pour into their mouth, but some may come in cream or pill form.
Conclusion
Cold sores can be very uncomfortable, and they can make school and other things difficult for your child. If you notice the symptoms of a cold sore in your child, then you can use the treatment options mentioned above. However, if the symptoms persist, it is crucial to see a physician right away. A doctor will give them medicine to help with their symptoms and speed up the healing process.
