How to treat herpes on the lips in children

Herpes is a disease that children suffer on a par with adults. A viral infection (polytropen) enters the body during a period of weakened immunity, after which it can take a fancy to any organ or skin surface.

Most often, herpes in infants occurs on the lip, after which it can capture the mucous surface and skin of adjacent areas. We will consider what types of infection are, what symptoms accompany the disease and how to deal with it.

So, herpes includes at least 8 forms of viruses that can enter the human body.

It affects children just as often as adults. As a rule, primary infection occurs in the family circle (from parents and relatives), as well as in groups of mass congestion of children (school, kindergarten, swimming pool, clubs, sports clubs, dancing, etc.).

As we mentioned, there are 8 types of the disease in the world, however, babies are most susceptible to the primary type.

Interestingly, babies rarely catch the disease due to the natural immunity transmitted from the mother in the womb. At preschool age (3-5 years), children develop their own immunity, which, unfortunately, does not have antibodies to the virus. According to statistics, at least 60% of babies are potential carriers of herpes.

Consider all types of diseases that are characteristic of childhood.

Herpes simplex

If an infection starts in an infant, serious consequences can be expected: dysfunction and damage to the nervous system, other internal organs (eyes, nose, ears and throat, cardiovascular system), impaired reproductive function.

It is not uncommon for a child to develop psychological problems, panic attacks, schizophrenia, depression, apathy, and aggressiveness.

Symptoms of the disease in babies

In babies, the symptoms of a viral disease develop classically. Primary infection is accompanied by chills, general weakness and loss of strength, malaise, aching joints and muscles, and increased nervousness.

Redness above the lip of the baby

Before the appearance of blisters on the lip, there is redness, severe itching and burning, possibly tingling and throbbing. After a few hours, painful fluid-filled blisters appear in the indicated area. Children often comb the place that disturbs them, touch it with their hands, peel off the crusts, so the area heals many times longer than in an adult.

The wounds themselves break through after a few days, they release a pathogenic fluid in which an increased concentration of the virus is observed. From the lips, sores can be transferred to other areas of the mucosa (tongue, palate, inner lips and cheeks, gums, throat, etc.). During this period, the active stage of the disease passes, secondary infection can occur through a toothbrush, cream, hygienic lipstick, hands, cutlery, etc.

In some cases, the infection spreads further to the skin along the chin, neck, etc. At the same time, the lymph nodes may swell, and when touched, they feel sore.

If herpes on the lips in children (treatment below) spreads to the mucous membrane of the throat, then this process can cause tonsillitis, a sore throat with a dense gray coating on the tonsils. The baby may feel severe discomfort when chewing, drinking, communicating, coughing. Try to provide him with a suitable diet, which will be only soft, slimy or grated food at room temperature (no "off the stove" soups or ice cream).

How to treat the disease

Many parents do not know where to start and how to treat herpes on the lips of a child (photo below). First of all, antiviral therapy is prescribed, as well as interferons and drugs that strengthen the immune system.

First of all, children are prescribed antiviral therapy, as well as interferons and drugs that strengthen the immune system.

Treatment must be started in a timely manner, that is, at the first signs of the disease (a zone of redness, tingling or itching appeared on the lip). If treatment is started late, the disease can develop to a recurrent or chronic form, and there is also a chance of unpleasant consequences.

In children, treatment is based on the elimination of symptoms and the active suppression of the virus in the body.

Oral tablets, as well as topical creams, ointments and gels, which help to actively heal the wound, relieve inflammation and itching, and relieve pain, act as antiviral therapy.

During the period of illness, give the baby plenty of fluids, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes to stimulate immunity, vegetables and fruits. The course of vitamins is 1 month, after which a short break and a repeat of the course 2 more times. The baby's menu must contain products containing lysine: meat and fish, dairy products (cheese, yogurt, bifidok, fermented baked milk, etc.), vegetable oil (olive, linseed, sesame). Nuts, smoked meats, fried and fatty foods, chocolate, ice cream, citrus fruits and other acidic foods, vigorous seasonings and spices, industrial sweets, carbonated drinks should be excluded for the period of illness.

When the temperature rises, antipyretic drugs are prescribed.

Basically, the treatment of herpes on the lips in children is based on taking an antiviral drug " Acyclovir". It is produced in the form of oral tablets, topical ointments and creams, injections for intravenous administration.

Ointment for external use Acyclovir

Interferons, as part of therapy, contribute to the active and high-quality destruction of the virus, and prevents its reproduction. Produced in the form of oral preparations and suppositories, which are injected into the anus 2 times a day for 5 days.

Preparations for immunity help to fight the virus more actively, prevent its spread to other areas of the mucous membrane and skin, and internal organs. Immunal, Arpetol, Groprinosin turned out to be effective for the treatment of children other.

If the disease recurs several times a year, the child should be shown to an immunologist or infectious disease specialist. Perhaps the reason for the return of the disease is a weak immune system, an improper diet or lifestyle. The doctor will draw up an individual course of effective anti-herpes therapy, prescribe drugs in dosages according to the age and weight of the baby.

Unfortunately, the treatment of herpes on the lips of a child produces only a temporary effect. For someone, the disease occurs a couple of times in a lifetime, and for someone at the slightest hypothermia, illness or contact with a patient. Parents should understand that the virus remains in the body forever and will aggravate when factors are favorable for it. That is why the main recommendations are to avoid contact with infected people, stimulate the immune system and strictly follow the instructions of the immunologist.