Herpes in children: symptoms, causes and treatment - i am a mother

Because of the high risk of infection, the herpes virus is much more widespread in children than one might think. And once you get infected with the virus, you carry it in your body for a lifetime.

herpes is a viral infectious disease that causes the appearance of skin lesions. The disease manifests itself as one Row of small bubbles surrounded by a red border.

The different types of herpes

This infection usually arises from the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) and is visible on the face, especially on the lips, or on the upper body.

Type 2 viruses (HSV2) are mainly responsible for this in the genital area. The first type is more common in children, but the second cannot be excluded.

Furthermore can also herpes Zoster (shingles) occur. This creates uncomfortable blisters on certain parts of the body. In addition, there is pain, itching and tingling.

A final cure is not possible after an infection. The virus is latently dormant in the nerve ganglia until, for example, it becomes active again with a weak immune system.

However, there are various treatment methods that can accelerate the healing process of the lesions.

Symptoms and occurrence of herpes in children

The duration of the course of the disease can between 10-14 days lie. First of all, there is reddening of the affected area and usually slight itching.

Then the fluid-filled vesicles appear, the appearance of which can also cause pain. As soon as they burst, they leave a kind of scab that only disappears after a few days.

The good news? The blisters usually leave no traces, and in the vast majority of cases, infection does not cause major complications.

Nevertheless, there are studies that link the virus to the occurrence of Alzheimer’s in adults.

On initial infection, children are very likely to swell their lymph nodes and develop a fever.

According to the American Association of Pediatricians The herpes virus in newborns can cause more serious complications such as diseases of the brain, lungs and liver, and ulcers on the skin and eyes.

In the most serious cases, even the baby’s life can be endangered.

Herpes zoster infection (shingles) starts out the same way. The difference is that the blisters are usually more painful.

This type of herpes can also be accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, chills, joint pain and headache.

The herpes virus can cause serious complications in newborns.

In both types, the liquid escaping from the blisters is contagious, so contact with other parts of the body must be avoided. It is important to take the necessary precautions!

Causes of herpes in children

There between 70% and 90% of all adults carry the virus, the main cause of infection among children is mainly through infection through contact with the adult population.

However, there are other possible sources of herpes in children:

During birth: This can happen if the mother has an acute infection at the time of birth.
Direct contagion: By kisses or by contact with the affected areas of an infected person. Herpes is an extremely contagious viral infection.
Indirect contagion: About towels, glasses, toys, or other items that have come into contact with an infected person.
Sexual transmission: This is how an infection with genital herpes is transmitted.
Recurrence of the latent virus: Sometimes this happens in response to cold, heat, fever, stress, or sun exposure.

How can herpes be cured??

In the case of infections in newborns, these are hospitalized because of the possible consequences of the virus and treated in the intensive care unit.

Otherwise, an illness can usually be treated at home. In addition, the use of antiviral drugs can accelerate the healing process and prevent the virus from spreading further. There are also natural remedies for that treatment are suitable.

When caring for a child with herpes, there are a few important points to consider:

Provide the child with plenty of fluids, to prevent a lack of fluids.
Do not give the child food, which could further irritate existing vesicles and inflammation.
Check the child on Fever, swollen lymph nodes and other complaints. If these symptoms occur, you should call the pediatrician.

As already mentioned: a herpes disease never heals completely. Only that Treatment of Symptoms can be accelerated. However, the virus itself remains in the body until the end of life.

Herpes can be prevented in children?

The simplest preventive measure is to prevent contact with infected people if possible.

It is also advisable not to let the child go to school if they have symptoms.

at sexually active adolescents and adults the use of latex condoms or sexual abstinence are the best ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes.