COLD SORES & YOUR BABY

Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, are small painful blisters that appear on the face and mouth and are caused by the Human Simplex Virus. There are eight known strands of the Human Simplex Virus, and cold sores is caused by HSV-1. Other strands of HSV can cause chicken pox and shingles, which are appear as small, painful blisters on the skin. Understanding how HSV-1 works and its implications will help you understand your baby's symptoms, and possibly your own, as well a mange outbreaks effectively. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Your baby may experience during the first outbreak, which is usually the most severe. The first outbreak is usually accompanied by a fever, muscle aches, irritability and difficulty eating, loss of appetite and swollen neck glands.  

HOW DID MY BABY GET COLD SORES?

The most common way for the HSV-1 virus to infect the body is through the mucous membrane or broken skin. The mucous membrane is a special layer of skin that lines bodily cavities like the mouth, nose, eyes and ears and is covered by a special fluid secreted by the body. The purpose of this membrane is to act as a protective barrier for pathogens and bacteria that might infect the body. HSV-1 is special in that it can infect the body and lay dormant or latent, causing outbreaks to appear much later following the initial infection, if not appearing upfront. It also "hides" in the peripheral nervous system, making it harder for the immune system to recognize and destroy. 

Kisses from an infected person, sharing a contaminated toys, or any other direct contact with the virus can cause infection. Because the virus can lay dormant, it may be harder to identify the source of infection since outbreaks do not always immediately follow. In rare cases, HSV-1 can be contracted during birth and infect the central nervous system causing encephalitis, and in serious cases can cause death. According to the Public Library of Science, it is estimated that some 27% of children globally are infected with HSV-1 by the time they turn 4. Due to HSV-1 mechanism, it is able to hide from the immune system, making it harder to kill with medications. Though your baby's immune system is still growing, it does a good job at fighting infection by killing invaders and this disease is typically not fatal. Not to to worry, you cannot transmit cold sores to your baby through breast feeding.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT A COLD SORES?

In your baby, cold sore out breaks may occur after your baby has experienced and illness or rash. Cold sores are not particularly dangerous, but active cold sores should be handled with caution since they are sites of infection and can be infectious for up to two weeks. Keeping your baby's sores clean, dry and avoiding irritants such as scented lotions, crumbs and residues will speed healing time. Keeping your baby's nails cut to avoid scratches and reinfection is a good way to prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of your their body. Monitoring the texture of toys your baby plays with to avoid abrasions or but on their face and mouth can also reduce the risk of infection. Keeping your baby's immune system strong through proper nutrition can help minimize outbreaks that follow vulnerable times for their immune system, such as rashes and colds. 

Your doctor may prescribe topical aciclovir to apply to active sores. Aciclovir is an anti-viral medication that works to slow HSV-1's hijacking process to allow cells DNA replication process to run normally. This medication is not a cure and is intended to treat symptoms and aid healing. If your baby has cold sores, a doctor's opinion is helpful to confirm that is cold sores. 

 Sources: babyrashhq.com
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