Is it normal for kids to get cold sores in their mouth at the age of 3? When does it subside?
Question:
Answers:
How Do I Know If I Have It?
To see if you have the virus, your doctor may simply examine the cold sore or may take a culture from it.
What Are the Treatments?
You can't cure a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and emollients to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over the counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore.
If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral agents currently available for treatment include acyclovir, famciclovir and valcyclovir. These oral medications are more effective in treatment when started within the first 48 hours of the outbreak.
Cold sores can become complicated by a bacterial infection so it is also important to keep them clean by washing gently with soap and water as needed.
How Can I Prevent Them?
Wash your hands after touching a cold sore.
Don't rub your eyes after touching your cold sore; you could develop an ocular herpes infection, which may lead to blindness if left untreated.
Don't touch your genitals after touching your cold sore; you could develop genital herpes.
Replace your toothbrush.
Eat foods high in lysine, or take supplements.
Don't kiss someone who has a cold sore or use the same utensils, towels, or razors.
Use sunscreen to the face and lips before prolonged exposure to the sun.
Cold sores -- also called fever blisters -- are a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These blisters are usually caused by HSV Type 1 but can less commonly be due to HSV Type 2. They may show up anywhere on your body but are most likely to appear on your gums, the outside of your mouth and lips, your nose, cheeks, or fingers. Blisters form, then break and ooze; a yellow crust develops and eventually sloughs off, revealing new skin underneath. The sores usually last seven to 10 days and are contagious until they crust over completely.
Ninety percent of all people get at least one cold sore in their lives. This first occurrence is often the worst. Some children who are affected may become seriously ill. After the first infection, many people develop antibodies and never have another cold sore. About 40% of American adults, however, have repeated cold sores.
Although cold sores generally are not serious, the infection may be life-threatening for anyone who has AIDS or whose immune system is depressed by other disorders or medications.
The infection from a cold sore may cause blindness if it spreads to the eye; herpes is a frequent cause of infectious blindness.
What Causes Them?
Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)-Type 1, which is transmitted by such forms of contact as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors. Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus Type 2. A person with a cold sore who performs oral sex on another person can give that person genital lesions with HSV-1.
Sores may develop as late as 20 days after exposure to the virus. Once the virus enters your body, it may emerge years later at or near the original site of entry. Approximately 2 days before an attack you may experience itching or sensitivity at the site. The virus may be triggered by certain foods, stress, fever, colds, allergies, sunburn, and menstruation.
Other Answers:
yes and i have no clue
Well it not different then adults.
If the sores are in their mouth, its not a cold sore. Its called a cankasore. These come from putting their hands in mouth, which 3 year olds tend to do. They only last for no more than a week..two weeks at most. For these types of sores, I usually use Camophenique.not really sure of the spelling. This stuff does wonders for them. You put a little on a q-tip and hold it to the sore for a couple seconds. Do this twice a day.
It is possible for small children to catch a cold sore. cold sores are related to the herpes virus (Same one that causes chicken pox. if someone were to kiss a child and they had a cold sore it would transmit. unfortunatly there is no cure. cold sores will remain in the body forever and will pop up from time to time. One word of caution. with a child of that age you must try to keep the child from touching his mouth eyes and spreading the virus to the eyes.
Cold sores are a result of the herpes virus. An infant/child does not have a strong immune system which is a catalyst for a herpes outbreak. I would not consider this unusual nor would I consider it an emergency. Next time you go to the doctor, ask him.
sores inside the mouth are actually not cold sores. they are usually apthous ulcers and are viral. most likely the child has eaten or drank after someone with this. it is VERY common and should not cause any concern unless they begin to spread this indicates gingival herpetic stomatitis and the child needs to see a dentist. a fes sores now and then is okay. they tend to last 5-7 days. the ulcers usually occur in times of illness, stress, or other conditions causing the immune system be compromised. keep him/her away from salty or spicy foods. do not use anbesol or other numbing agents, this will cause the tissue arund the area to sloth of (peel) and become red and sore as well. there really isnt much to do at this age. sorry.
your child is too young to use things such as abreva or camphophonique UNLESS DIRECTED BY *YOUR* PHYSICIAN/DENTIST
Source(s):
dental hygienist/4th yr. dental student
missymayhem06 answer is good.
and is correct about herpes and there is an antiviral acylclovir FOR adults but i would never give it to you three year old..
acyclovir has numerous side effects ; it is hard on the liver and thins the eye tissues.. and your child does not need more problem..
teach the child to keep thier hand off their face.. and wash their hands.. the sun will also effect it.. and eating amonds will effect it because an amino acid it contains. foods high in lysine and zinc will help ..
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