Herpes in children - types, symptoms and treatment of the most common types of the virus. Herpes in children: treatment for viral infection Herpes in a 4 year old child treatment

Questions of symptoms, methods of treating herpes in children and its consequences are of interest to many parents. It is especially important to know how this very dangerous disease manifests itself in young children who cannot yet speak.

Most of the population of our planet are carriers of the herpes virus. It penetrates the body in a variety of ways. The disease can begin immediately or after some time, when the child is especially weakened due to illness, fatigue or nervous strain.

Infection can be prevented by knowing how to protect children from herpes from the time they are born until they reach puberty, when their immune system has stabilized.

Causes of the disease

Dr. Komarovsky in his programs very popularly and reasonably described the preconditions that contribute to the occurrence of herpes in a child. The source of infection is a carrier of the virus or a person whose disease is in the acute stage.

Routes of transmission of infection can be:

Herpes in the blood of a newborn can remain dormant for a long time. The first months of his life he is protected by immunity, which he inherited from his mother.

The virus can survive on household items for several days while remaining active. Treatment of herpes in children should begin when the first signs of this disease are detected. It can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the type of virus.

Characteristic symptoms

Herpesvirus infection in children most often occurs at the age of 3–5 years. At this time, children begin to move independently. They actively explore the world not only visually, but also through touch, tasting all objects. Children begin to attend kindergarten and communicate with peers. As they grow older, they stop putting all sorts of objects into their mouths, which significantly reduces the risk of infection.

When an infection enters the body, the incubation period can last from one day to a month.

It spreads throughout the body and lingers in the nervous system, becoming more active at the slightest disruption in the functioning of the immune system. Each type of disease has its own characteristics. But there are signs that are common to all types of the disease.

The following symptoms of herpes in children are observed at the onset of the disease:

• increase in body temperature to 38–39ºС;
• weakness, lethargy and irritability;
• aches in the joints of the arms and legs;
• excruciating headache;
• lack of appetite;
• rashes of various types.

The manifestation of the disease is individual in each child. This factor is determined by age, level of development and the presence of concomitant infectious diseases. The main sign that children have developed viral herpes is single or multiple rashes.

What are the types of herpes?

A child may have one of eight types of virus in his blood, into which herpes is divided. This broad classification is justified by the clinical picture, which is characteristic of different types of the disease.

HSV types 1 and 2

The photo shows the first type of virus, which is the most common. Almost every child who reaches adulthood is affected by it. The disease is provoked by complications in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, nervous and reproductive systems.

When a child develops herpes type 1, the following symptoms are observed:

• temperature rise to 39ºС;
• the appearance of many small ulcers in the mouth;
• rashes on the lips, nose and chin.

The disease begins with unpleasant sensations at the site of future rashes. Over time, bubbles form and spread to adjacent areas when damaged.

Herpes type 2. As a rule, medicine associates it with damage to the genital organs. In most cases, the disease occurs in adolescents who began early sexual activity. The disease can also occur in newborns due to infection from the mother during pregnancy or childbirth.

This type of illness can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• rashes on the genitals, spreading to their entire outer part;
• changes in the skin resembling diaper rash;
• general malaise and weakness;
• rashes in the nasopharynx and tonsils if herpetic sore throat is provoked;
• chills and fever.

Genital infections are particularly difficult. The virus causes extensive rashes throughout the body, disturbances in the digestive system and brain activity.

Other types of virus

Consequences of herpes in children

It is not the pathogenic HSV that poses a health hazard, but the complications that arise if a child’s herpes is not treated. Newborns whose bodies are not prepared to deal with a serious illness are at greatest risk. The lack of qualified and prompt medical care can result in disability and death for children.

The consequences of having herpes can be the following diseases:

• cerebral palsy;
• meningitis;
• eye damage (iridocyclitis, episcleritis, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal erosion, uveitis, chorioretinitis) or blindness;
• epilepsy;
• Down syndrome;
• chronic liver and kidney diseases.

To avoid this, it is necessary to treat herpes in children immediately after the first signs of its manifestation appear. This will allow the disease to be stopped at an early stage.

Diagnostics

Since the child’s body is in the formative stage, his immune system is not able to resist a dangerous infection. In order to accurately and correctly determine how to treat herpes, a thorough diagnosis is carried out.

Examination of a sick child includes the following methods:

1. Examination by a pediatrician. During this procedure, the doctor takes the patient’s general vital signs, assesses his condition and external manifestations of the disease.
2. A biochemical blood test is performed, urine and feces are examined. If oncology is suspected, histological examination of tissue samples is carried out.
3. Virological culture. Scrapings are taken from the rash to determine the virus antigen. The material for the study is blood, skin and fluid from the blisters.
4. Carrying out ultrasound diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging to determine the extent of damage to the brain and internal organs.
5. Consultation with relevant specialists. This helps to identify the cause that provoked the weakening of the immune system.

After the research, the attending physician makes a final diagnosis and gives recommendations on how to treat the child.

General rules for treating a child for HSV

Herpes is a type of virus that no drugs can destroy. After entering the body, the virus penetrates nerve cells and remains there until the end of a person’s life. Its activation occurs whenever the child’s body reaches a weakened state.

At the first signs of the disease, the following measures must be taken:

1. Isolate the child from others. This is necessary in order to prevent their infection and protect the patient from infection with other diseases.
2. Provide the child with bed rest. Do not allow him to go outside or walk freely around the apartment.
3. Keep the room clean. Wash and dust floors regularly. Ventilate the room at least twice a day.
4. Ensure that the patient drinks as much fluid as possible. You can give him juice, tea, fruit drink and compote.
5. Provide regular and nutritious meals. Food should be rich in proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates.

If the baby has a high temperature, then you need to put a wet bandage on the forehead and wipe the limbs with a weak solution of vinegar.

Parents should not make diagnoses or choose medications on their own. The decision on how to cure herpes is the exclusive prerogative of the attending physician.

Drug therapy

Viral infection is treated exclusively with a conservative method. Surgical intervention is used only in the most difficult cases, when the patient has developed complications in the form of necrosis, pathological edema and suppuration. As a rule, the fight against herpes is carried out comprehensively, using all available and safe drugs for the patient.

To get rid of the disease and its symptoms, the child is prescribed:

• antihistamines - to reduce itching and prevent an allergic reaction to medications (Suprastin, Zyrtec);
• antiherpetic ointments - to prevent cracking of damaged areas of the skin and mucous membranes, to prevent the rash from spreading to other areas of the body (Acyclovir,);
• antipyretic drugs - to prevent critical overheating of the patient and improve his well-being so that he is able to eat, drink and move independently (Nurofen, Paracetamol);
• broad-spectrum and targeted antibiotics - in the event of the development of a concomitant bacterial infection;
• - to strengthen the immune system and restore internal organs after exposure to viruses and antibiotics.

Treatment is carried out using injections, tablets and ointments. All medications are purchased only as prescribed by a doctor. Treatment adjustments are made every 2–3 days.

After the exacerbation period ends, the patient may be prescribed a course of physiotherapy.

Treatment with folk remedies

are not used as independent methods of treatment. They can only be used in combination with pharmacological drugs and physiotherapy. Traditional medicine recipes are good because they strengthen the immune system, relieve irritation and inflammation.

The following procedures are safe for a child:

• lotions on the affected area from celandine juice;
• ingestion of lemon balm decoction;
• compress of grated apples, potatoes and garlic;
• applying plantain leaves to the rash;
• rubbing the skin with the juice of wormwood, lemon or milkweed;
• treatment of damaged areas with alcohol tincture of propolis;
• applying a cloth soaked in a solution of calendula tincture and sea salt.

When using folk remedies, you need to carefully look at the body’s reaction. At the slightest sign of a negative perception of the medicine, the procedure should be stopped immediately.

Preventive actions

Prevention of herpes in children should be aimed at strengthening the immune system and the comprehensive development of the child, both physically and morally. To do this, it is necessary to provide the child with normal nutrition containing sufficient amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.

To prevent your baby from overheating or hypothermia, you need to choose a wardrobe for any weather.

Due attention should be paid to physical development and hardening of the body. At the same time, we should not forget that the child should not get too tired and get proper rest.

All identified infectious diseases must be treated until complete recovery. If herpes is detected in children, treatment should begin immediately.

Herpetic infections that affect children are quite diverse and are far from limited to the so-called cold sores. Moreover, it is in childhood that herpetic diseases most often occur, which the vast majority of adults do not even know about.

For example, the photo below shows the external manifestations of sudden exanthema (also known as roseola or pseudorubella) - a fairly common herpes infection, often found in children:

And here is herpetic panaritium, which is found in children more often than in adults:

In general, almost every child in the first few years of his life usually faces several infections caused by herpes viruses (many of which, fortunately, often do not make themselves felt at all in adulthood).

It is useful to keep in mind that the concepts of “herpes” and “herpetic infection” differ in their meaning. The word “herpes” usually refers to diseases caused by the herpes simplex viruses of the first and second types. In most cases, these are colds on the lips and genital herpes, less often - herpetic panaritium, ophthalmic herpes and some other diseases.

The concept of herpes infection implies infection of the body with a herpes virus of any type, and in terms of the number of manifestations, such diseases are much more numerous than even the “many faces” of herpes. Accordingly, treatment of herpes infection in each specific case may require completely different approaches, medications and sanitary regimes.

But first things first…

Causative agents of herpes infections and associated diseases

The whole variety of herpes infections is associated with 8 different herpes viruses:

1. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common. In children, this virus can cause colds on the lips, herpetic stomatitis, herpetic whitlow (ulcers on the fingers), “wrestling herpes”, herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, viral encephalitis and meningitis, herpetic esophagitis, eczema and sycosis;
2. Herpes simplex virus type 2, the most common cause of genital herpes. In children, it often manifests itself as neonatal herpes, or as a disseminated infection. Herpes viruses types 1 and 2 are often also called herpes simplex viruses;
3. Herpes virus type 3 causes the famous chickenpox in children. And in case of relapse it causes the so-called herpes zoster - more often in adults, but sometimes in children too;
4. Herpes virus type 4, also called Epstein-Barr virus. A rather little-known disease is associated with it - infectious mononucleosis. It is little known, by the way, not because of the small number of cases of infection, but because in most cases it is mistaken for a cold and the correct diagnosis is not made. In addition, some cancers are associated with this virus;
5. Herpes virus type 5, or cytomegalovirus. The infection associated with it is called cytomegalovirus. According to some experts, every person in the world is infected with this infection, but few people know about it due to the fact that in the vast majority of cases it does not manifest itself in any way in a persistent form;
6. Herpes virus type 6, also known as roseolovirus. Causes the so-called “sixth disease”, better known as infantile roseola or sudden exanthema;
7. Herpes virus type 7, almost identical to the previous one. It also sometimes causes exanthema, but in adults it is often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome;
8. And finally, herpes virus type 8, which is rather poorly studied. It is believed to cause Kaposi's sarcoma.

Herpes simplex on a child's hand:

Relapses of some of the diseases caused by herpes viruses have such unique symptoms that sometimes patients consider them to be independent diseases. For example, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, but only in cases where the infection “dormant” in the body is able to be reactivated when the immune system is weakened.

The photo below shows an example of shingles in a child:

This is interesting: the widely known “herpetic” throat infection in children is not actually herpetic. It is called herpangina, but is not associated with either sore throat or herpes. This disease is caused by intestinal Coxsackie viruses, and it resembles a sore throat only in the form of a sore throat, and a characteristic rash similar to herpes. The photo below shows such a pseudoherpetic infection in a child’s throat. However, the herpes simplex virus type 1 sometimes causes herpetic stomatitis, which can also invade the tonsils, which leads to a sore throat.

Herpetic sore throat:

Any of the above infections can manifest in a child of almost any age: from the neonatal period to adolescence. However, as a rule, certain herpetic infections are characteristic of different ages:

• Newborn period and infancy - herpes of newborns when infected from the mother during childbirth, as well as sudden exanthema;
• Preschoolers - chicken pox and infectious mononucleosis;
• Children 8-12 years old - infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, labial herpes and herpetic stomatitis;
• Teenagers - labial herpes, herpetic whitlow.

Diseases such as, for example, shingles or genital herpes in children for various reasons occur relatively rarely (the latter, due to the specific nature of its spread, can occur in adolescents who begin sexual activity early).

It is useful to know the main symptoms that herpetic infections manifest themselves in in order to recognize the disease in time and not to stuff your child with medications for diseases with which such infections are often confused. We will talk about these symptoms in more detail below, but for now let’s look at how exactly the body is infected with herpes viruses...

How does a virus infect the body?

Herpes viruses vary significantly in their contagiousness and main routes of transmission. For example, herpes simplex viruses are transmitted by direct contact with fluid from papules (vesicles), while chickenpox and Epstein-Barr virus can be easily transmitted through airborne droplets.

After entering the patient’s body, viral particles, under favorable conditions, penetrate into the tissue cells of the host body. Here the protein shell of the virion opens, and nucleic acids with the genetic information of the virus rush to the cell’s replication apparatus.

If the genome of the virus is successfully integrated into the genetic material of a human cell, then the latter begins, together with the proteins it needs, to produce components of viral particles. From them, new virions are collected right inside the cells, which, when accumulated in large quantities, lead to the death and destruction of the cell. In this case, the particles themselves are released, enter the blood, lymph, or simply the intercellular space, affect neighboring cells and spread further.

Depending on the type of herpesvirus, its further existence in the body varies:

• When infected with herpes simplex viruses, some of the new virions cause skin lesions (most often on the lips), and some penetrate the nerve cells of the spinal cord, in which the DNA of the virus will remain in the future for the rest of a person’s life;
• When infected with chickenpox viruses and herpes virus type 6, virions quickly spread throughout the body and a rash appears on all parts of the body. In this case, again, the nervous tissue is affected, in which the virus can persist until the death of the host;
• The Epstein-Barr virus is tropic to the lymphocytes of the host's immune system, and it does not destroy them, but stimulates further proliferation;
• Cytomegalovirus in the host body infects the salivary glands in the largest quantities.

The photo shows chickenpox, one of the most common herpetic infections in children:

In most cases, primary herpetic infection is acute and without consequences. This is especially true for sudden exanthema, cytomegalovirus infection and infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

However, herpes simplex viruses in newborns can cause severe conditions, and without treatment, such infections can lead to serious complications and even death.

It is important to understand that herpes infections are among the most common in the human population in general. With a high probability, every one-year-old child has already had one of them and will have several of them before he reaches adulthood. Therefore, such an infection should be treated as normal.

This is interesting: about 90% of the world's population is infected with herpes simplex viruses. 52% of children aged 5 years and 95% of adults in the United States are carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus. Almost 100% of the world's population is infected with cytomegalovirus, with more than half of people becoming infected in childhood. Almost 100% of children in the countries of the former USSR get chickenpox, despite the fact that today a vaccine against it has been developed and is available for use.

Those herpes virus particles that have penetrated nerve cells or lymphocytes remain in the body forever. Virions produced by these cells are constantly released into the blood or into the intercellular space, where they are immediately destroyed by cells of the immune system. And only in the case of severely weakened immunity can they sometimes reach the corresponding tissues (for example, peripheral ones - say, the skin on the lips) and lead to re-infection of them with the development of a relapse of the disease.

This is interesting: in many children, relapses of herpetic diseases are mild and asymptomatic, which is why no one even suspects that these children are carriers of the virus and at certain periods of time can be sources of infection.

Herpes viruses have low interferonogenic activity, due to which, even when the infection is reactivated, the protective mechanisms in the child’s body are launched with a delay, as a result of which the virus has the opportunity to manifest itself, so to speak, fully.

Why are these infections essentially incurable?

A herpetic infection, once affecting the human body, remains in it forever. This is due to the localization of viral DNA in tissues that are extremely difficult or cannot be treated at all.

A good example is the herpes simplex viruses, as well as the chickenpox virus. After infection, the initial manifestation of symptoms and suppression of the infection by the body's defenses, the genetic material of the virus is stored in the nuclei of nerve cells in the human body in the spinal cord.

Today, medicine does not have the means and methods that would make it possible to selectively remove foreign genetic material from the chromosomes of human nerve cells, or to replace the spinal cord nerve cells themselves with uninfected ones. This means that as long as such cells remain in the body, the virus is stored with them.

And, for example, the Epstein-Barr virus multiplies in lymphocytes - cells of the immune system itself, which, in principle, should fight virions. As in the previous case, it is extremely difficult to destroy all lymphocytes in the human body. And doing this just to get rid of a virus, which in the vast majority of cases does not cause serious illness, is irrational.

In addition, it is problematic to prevent infection of those cells from which it will be impossible to remove the virus in the future. For example, when infected with herpes simplex viruses, nerve cells are affected even before the characteristic rashes on the lips become noticeable, and the chickenpox virus is already firmly established in the spinal ganglia when the child just begins to develop a rash all over the body. Simply put, when parents realize that their baby has a herpetic disease, it is no longer possible to completely eliminate its pathogen from the body.

Fortunately, most herpes infections are not so dangerous that you should worry too much about their presence in the body.

Dangerous consequences

In most cases, in healthy children, herpetic infections occur acutely, quickly and with virtually no consequences. The greatest danger, as a rule, is posed by herpes infection in a newborn child:

• Neonatal herpes, which a child becomes infected with during childbirth, or immediately before birth from a mother suffering from genital herpes. The consequences here can be the most severe - from eye damage to cerebral palsy and meningoencephalitis;
• Congenital cytomegalovirus infection, which in symptoms resembles infectious mononucleosis.

Herpes on the face of a newborn:

Also dangerous are oncological diseases, which in rare cases can be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (Burkitt's lymphoma), cytomegalovirus and herpes virus type 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma).

All herpes virus infections are also dangerous for children with severely weakened immune systems. In them, even simple herpes can lead to damage to internal organs and a generalized disease with a severe course. This is also true for children undergoing therapy with artificial immunosuppression.

Note: in HIV-infected children, herpetic infections are one of the leading causes of death.

A healthy child who has picked up an infection already in kindergarten or school will most likely tolerate it quite easily, and only symptomatic treatment will be required from parents and a doctor to alleviate the severe manifestations of the disease.

Dangerous “consequences” of chickenpox are shingles and often associated postherpetic neuralgia, which occur less often and mainly in adults with weakened immune systems (the word “consequences” is enclosed in quotation marks, since chickenpox itself does not cause shingles - it can develop only when the infection is reactivated in the body).

Note: if you constantly scratch the blisters during chickenpox, scars may remain in their place for life. The bubbles themselves develop on the upper layers of the epidermis and after recovery disappear without a trace.

Symptoms and differential diagnosis of infections

Each herpes virus infection is characterized by a certain set of symptoms that allow an experienced doctor to diagnose it in a sick person. On the other hand, the clinical picture in most cases looks like that parents mistake some herpes diseases for colds and do not consult a doctor.

In general, the characteristic symptoms of herpetic infections are as follows:

Typical external symptoms of roseola are shown in the photo below:

Some diseases may have similar symptoms (for example, mononucleosis and cytomegalovirus infection), and some of them are so reminiscent of typical respiratory diseases that they are treated like flu or sore throat.

In many cases, to reliably diagnose a specific herpetic infection, it is necessary to take blood tests or undergo a special examination at a clinic.

Treatment of herpetic diseases in children

Treatment of herpetic infections is carried out in situations where the disease is too severe. At the same time, to treat most infections, specialized antiviral agents are used, first of all, and in addition to this therapy, symptomatic treatment agents are used.

Of the narrowly targeted drugs, it should be noted:

• For infection with herpes simplex viruses, as well as chickenpox - Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Valtrex, Famvir and Famciclovir. Their use is not mandatory and, if used correctly, only allows to shorten the duration of the disease;
• When infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, symptomatic treatment is carried out - there are no specialized drugs against it;
• Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection is carried out with the help of antiviral agents - Ganciclovir, Foscarnet, Cidofovir, as well as with the use of specific immunoglobulin preparations - Cytotect, Megalotect and others;
• Sudden exanthema in children is not treated at all, or is treated with symptomatic therapy.

The use of interferon inducers and other immunomodulators for the treatment of herpetic infections is today not considered an effective and adequately safe method of therapy. In exceptional cases, such drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor and only under his personal responsibility.

Symptomatic treatment of herpetic infections involves the use of antipyretic and painkillers, and sometimes local hormonal ointments to reduce itching. By the way, the use of folk “green stuff” for both herpes and chickenpox has virtually no therapeutic effect.

Important! When you have chickenpox, aspirin cannot be used as an analgesic and antipyretic - this drug specifically for this infection can cause severe side effects on the liver.

As a rule, all herpetic infections resolve in children with normal immunity within 1-2 weeks. If the illness is prolonged or its symptoms are too severe, then the child should be shown to a doctor.

Is prevention possible?

To date, the chickenpox vaccine has passed all clinical trials and has been introduced into the vaccination calendars of the USA, Australia and Austria. According to research results, it provides reliable protection against infection with the virus, provides immunity for several years (after 20 years, the first vaccinated had 100% immunity and no one became infected with chickenpox) and is well tolerated, although it requires isolation of the child for several days immediately after vaccinations.

In Russia, vaccination against chickenpox is voluntary. The vaccine itself can be purchased at large pharmacies, although it is quite expensive.

There are currently no reliable vaccines for other herpes infections.

Prevention methods such as limiting the child’s communication with peers and strict sanitary measures are inappropriate, since the child will get sick in any case.

The only situation in which it is necessary to take truly serious measures to protect a child from contracting a herpes virus infection is an illness in a pregnant mother. Such situations are the most dangerous, and therefore doctors use strict methods for managing pregnancy and delivering birth in such cases.

Interesting video: the doctor explains what parents should do if their child has a type 4 herpetic infection

How can herpes be dangerous...

Today, there are several types of herpes virus that can infect a wide variety of human organs. They do not bypass small children either. Herpes in children most often occurs after contact with a sick person. Moreover, babies in the first years of life become infected extremely rarely, since they have immunity from their mother.

The peak of danger begins at 3-4 years. But by the age of 5, more than half of the babies produce protective antibodies.

What types of herpes can a child develop?

Almost 100% of the population are carriers of the herpes virus. Almost all people have this virus in their blood. True, due to various reasons and the level of immunity, its indicator and the degree of possibility of infection vary significantly.

Depending on the type of pathogen, herpes in a child can be of different types:

1. the first type (simple) - manifests itself in the form of ulcers on the oral cavity, on the lips, in the mouth, on the tongue;
2. the second type (genital) is considered a hereditary factor, since it is transmitted from the mother at birth. Such herpes in children becomes a harbinger of chronic stomatitis and tonsillitis;
3. third type (chickenpox) – the primary virus causes chickenpox, a repeated case – shingles;
4. the fourth and fifth types (lactic mononucleosis) - manifests itself in the form of an infectious disease, which is accompanied by fever and inflammation of the lymph nodes;
5. sixth type (roseola) - appears in the form of pinkish spots on the surface of the entire body. The disease begins with an increase in temperature, after which spotting appears.

You can become infected with herpes in a variety of ways. The simplest of them is by airborne droplets. However, such an infection is transmitted in other ways, for example, through the use of shared dishes or towels. Once in the body, the infection is localized in certain organs and accumulates in the blood and spreads throughout the body.

Symptoms of herpes in children

The disease begins with a minor malaise, since any infection that enters the baby’s body causes a weakening of the immune system and a decrease in well-being. For a child over 1 year old, the most common type is herpes of the first three types. However, the sixth type is also often found.

The main symptoms of any herpes are:

• fatigue;
• fever;
• nervousness and irritability;
• poor appetite;
• burning and itching at the site of future ulcers and spots;
• body redness;
• sometimes nausea and vomiting.

From the very first minutes of damage to the body, you can notice a slight tingling (for the first types) and redness of certain areas of the body (if infected with type 6). Because of this, experienced patients often successfully attempt to block the effect of the infection through the use of active medications.

Prevention of herpes in children

To protect your child from infection with the herpes virus, you should follow the following basic rules:

• strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene and do not allow other children to use their things (towel, soap, toothbrush, dishes). Also, do not use other people's things;
• wash your hands regularly after visiting public places, the street, and simply periodically throughout the day;
• minimize contact with people infected with herpes;
• periodically carry out vitamin therapy, which is especially useful during seasonal epidemics. The main thing is to choose drugs that are suitable for a particular age;
• lead a healthy lifestyle - often be in the fresh air, exercise, do exercises and do not neglect water procedures;
• During pregnancy, the expectant mother should definitely be tested for the presence of viral cells in her blood. This is so that if their number exceeds, treatment can be carried out before the birth of the child.

Such preventive measures will not hurt both children and adults, as they will help strengthen the immune system and improve the health of the entire body.

The invisible enemies of humanity - viruses - infect 80–90% of people of different ages. Herpes often occurs in children in the first days of life and affects various tissues and organs. The causative agent of the disease is transmitted transplacentally from an infected mother, and after birth - through household contact and airborne droplets. It is extremely difficult to protect against infection with the herpes virus, so care must be taken to strengthen the child’s immunity.

Antibodies received from the mother help the newborn baby resist infection and resist numerous viruses and microbes. As soon as the innate immunity is exhausted, the child is exposed to infection. Symptoms and treatment of herpes virus in children depend on the location of the affected tissue or organ and the typology of the virus. The incubation period from the moment the infection enters the child’s body until the first symptoms of the disease lasts from 2 days to two weeks.

Localization and types of herpetic lesions in children:

• keratitis, conjunctivitis and other damage to the organ of vision;
• skin and mucous membranes of the genitals;
• mucous membrane of the nasal passages, pharynx;
• nerve nodes and neurons;
• scalp and body skin;
• oral cavity.

Internal organs and nerves are affected by a generalized herpetic infection.

Among the numerous representatives of the herpesvirus family, there are 6–7 types that are pathogenic for children. The causative agent of the labial form of the disease and herpetic stomatitis is HSV-I (herpes simplex virus type 1). Oral and genital herpes are most often caused by HSV-II.

The cause of chickenpox and herpes zoster is Varicella zoster, a virus belonging to type III. Herpes on a child's body is often called "shingles." Herpesvirus type IV Epstein-Barr is the causative agent of dangerous diseases, in particular infectious mononucleosis. Cytomegalovirus type V causes infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis. About half of children develop viruses of types VI and VII by adolescence. These are the causative agents of sudden exanthema or “pseudo-rubella”.

Children most often become infected with HSV types I and II through contact and household contact. The most common viruses of the first three types cause herpetic sore throat, stomatitis, and gingivitis in children. They also cause skin lesions, especially around the mouth and nose. If the baby is 2–3 years old, then the symptoms of herpes cannot always be recognized in the first hours and days. The child becomes lethargic, feels unwell, has a headache, sore throat, and fever. Often, at first, the disease is easily mistaken for an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold.

Complications are typical for primary infection, as well as with weakened immunity in children.

A strong immune system protects the child’s body from the activation of the herpes virus in the tissues. This is the main reason for the small number of cases compared to the number of carriers of the infection. Before treating herpes in a child, it is necessary to find out how the infection occurred, against what types of virus this or that drug purchased at the pharmacy was developed .

Forms and symptoms of herpes simplex

The most common signs of localized forms of herpetic infection are visible on the child’s face around the mouth, on the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. First, slight swelling and redness appear in the affected area, itching and discomfort are felt. Then clusters of small bubbles appear, larger than 1 mm in size, with transparent, yellowish or whitish contents. Vesicles are located in groups and often merge. When the liquid in the bubbles begins to become cloudy, the walls of the bubbles open, erosions or drying out crusts appear.

If herpes infections of types I and II in children are not treated, symptoms may persist for 2-3 weeks. The skin usually recovers without consequences, scars remain only in cases of deep damage and secondary bacterial infection. The development of a primary viral disease is almost always a high risk of its spread in the blood. Possible damage to the liver, bronchi, lungs, brain and spinal cord. It is not uncommon for children to experience relapses of these types of herpes as they grow older.

Clinical forms of herpes infection types I and II:

1. Generalized- rashes occupy large areas of the skin and mucous membranes, accompanied by fever.
2. Recurrent - the rash appears on the head, genitals, legs, fingers; accompanied by pain, malaise, poor sleep and digestive disorders.
3. Zosteriform - rashes similar to herpes zoster appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and damage to the peripheral nervous system occurs.
4. Edema - damage to the red border of the lips, mucous membrane in the nose, and in the genital area.
5. Abortive - the disease stops at the initial stage.

An immunodeficiency state complicates the course and treatment of herpes in children.

With severe generalized herpes simplex, the temperature rises to febrile levels, intoxication occurs, and internal organs are affected. The spread of the virus is facilitated by blood transfer and scratching of the itchy surface. As in the case of a localized form, itching, burning, and blisters appear. In addition, symptoms of intoxication increase: febrile temperature, appetite disturbances, weakness, insomnia.

Herpes in newborns

The development of herpetic infection in infants is possible in the prenatal, peri- and postnatal periods. A viral infection in the first trimester of pregnancy can cause fetal death and lead to developmental defects after birth. If a baby suffers from herpes in the first days of life, then a generalized form often develops, and the child’s condition is serious.

The presence of genital herpes in the baby's mother increases the risk of infection of the newborn by up to 60%.

Infants are less likely to get sick after contact with virus carriers (parents, nurses, children). Typically, the incubation period lasts one to two weeks, after which mucus begins to be released from the nose. Bubbles in the mouth, nasal passages, cheeks, and limbs appear after 24 hours or later, after 7–12 days.

Vital reflexes in newborns, such as sucking and swallowing, are disrupted by viral damage to the brain and internal organs. It is possible to develop hepatitis, pneumonia, nephritis and other dangerous diseases in infants. A child often dies as a result of convulsive syndrome or apnea (stopping breathing).

Therapy for different types of herpes

Acute herpetic stomatitis

The disease begins acutely with fever, refusal to eat, and severe salivation. The child’s gums become swollen and red, and after two or three days specific ulcers appear. Severe intoxication, high fever, aphthae in the mouth - all these are symptoms of herpes simplex in babies. The infection is more often diagnosed in children under one year of age, less often at 2 years of age, and in children over 3–4 years of age.

Herpesviruses types I and II can affect both the oral cavity and the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Similar ulcerative lesions are caused by type VI of the herpes virus.

How to treat herpes infection in the nose and mouth in children:

• Chamomile infusion for mouth rinse.
• Acyclovir or other antiviral agents.
• Solutions of furatsilin and rivanol for wiping the oral mucosa.
• Immunostimulating, interferon-containing drugs (cycloferon, viferon).

When the disease begins as stomatitis in an infant, the baby often spreads the infection to the skin himself. If children are 2 years old, treatment of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes is carried out with Acyclovir cream. The dose for children under 2 years of age is halved. Acyclovir improves the well-being of children on the second day of treatment. Apply the product every hour up to 5 times a day. The course of treatment is from 5 to 10 days.

Genital herpes

The disease develops when children are infected through contact and household contact from parents or other carriers of herpesvirus type II, less often type I. At first, the child feels tension in the skin, itching and burning begin. Then bubbles appear in the same place. When the elements of the rash open, erosions of various shapes and depths are formed.

With genital herpes, blisters appear on the skin of the groin area, on the thighs, and the genital mucosa. At the same time, infection of the urinary tract is possible, then urination becomes painful, the temperature rises to subfebrile levels. Without treatment, cellular immunity is formed within 2–3 weeks; with treatment, the disease is stopped earlier.

Ophthalmoherpes

Variants of damage to the organ of vision by the virus - keratitis and conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers. First, the conjunctiva turns red, vesicles appear on the skin of the eyelids, under the eyelashes, then lacrimation and photophobia develop. After 24–72 hours, the infection spreads to the cornea and resolves after 3–4 weeks. For newborn children, the disease is dangerous due to severe ophthalmological lesions. As a result, the cornea becomes cloudy and visual acuity decreases. Herpes keratitis is treated with eye ointment for herpes for children "Acyclovir", placing a small volume of the product in the conjunctival sac 5 times a day for a week.

Herpes infection in the nervous system (NS)

After penetration of the herpes virus into the central nervous system, the development of encephalitis or meningoencephalitis in children is possible. The causative agent of the disease penetrates the neurons of the brain and spinal cord through the bloodstream, as well as along the nerve tracts. The infection can remain latent for a long time and becomes more active during hormonal changes, after injuries, or under extreme climatic conditions.

Herpetic encephalitis is characterized by the severity of symptoms and dangerous consequences for the health and development of the child. Timely use of acyclovir to relieve infection reduces the likelihood of death, although the risk of neurological complications is quite high. Complex therapy is required, followed by long-term rehabilitation treatment.

The generalized form of herpes is as severe as herpetic encephalitis and meningitis. Clinical manifestations and symptoms depend on which organ is more affected. Most often, the pathological process develops in the liver, less often in the lungs, heart, and pancreas.

Complex treatment of herpes in children

It is necessary to use medications that inhibit the activity of the virus and increase the body’s immunoreactivity. Medicines based on acyclovir relieve pain and eliminate discomfort, accelerates the drying of blisters and the formation of crusts. The advantage of such drugs is their positive effect on the immune system (immunostimulating effect).

Medicines with specific antiviral effects

The solution to the problem of how to treat herpes has the most important aspect - the need to use antiviral agents. Such drugs stop exacerbations, prevent new rashes and relapses. The most well-known antiviral medications contain acyclovir. Trade names of drugs with this active substance: "Zovirax", "Acyclovir", "Ciclovir". The main dosage forms are creams, ointments, tablets, powders for making solutions.

Acyclovir injections and tablets for children with herpes:

1. Teenagers over 12 years old- administer intravenously 5 mg/1 kg body weight three times a day (every 8 hours).
2. Children after 2 years- orally, 1 tablet 200 mg 5 times a day, for prevention - 1 tablet four times a day.
3. Herpes simplex in a 1 year old child- orally, 0.5 tablets 5 times/day for five days, for prevention - 0.5 tablets 4 times/day.

Acyclovir effectively fights herpes simplex viruses types I and II, Varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr.

Side effects of acyclovir:

• abdominal pain, nausea;
• difficulty breathing;
• skin rashes;
• bowel disorders;
• headache:
• fatigue;
• drowsiness.

The antiviral drug Florenal effectively suppresses the activity of the herpes virus. Three dosage forms are available: drops, ointment and eye films. The drug "Florenal" is used for herpetic lesions of the skin, eyes, stomatitis, and herpes zoster. The duration of therapy ranges from 3 to 14 days. Doctors recommend combining treatment with Florenal drops and ointment.

Herpes is the general name for a number of diseases that are caused by different types of herpes virus. Such a virus can infect any organ in the human body. Children often get herpes because their immune system is not yet fully developed, and the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Herpes on a child’s body is accompanied by pain and itching, sometimes fever. Symptoms depend entirely on the type of herpes that the child has contracted.

Types of Herpes

There are several varieties of this virus, however, most often, children get primary herpes. Moreover, from birth, young children, as a rule, receive immunity from their mother, and until the age of 3-4 years, the likelihood of getting sick is very low.

Modern doctors identify 6 types of viruses that children can become infected with:

Routes of transmission and symptoms of herpes

Experts state that by the age of 5-6 years, the herpes virus is already in the body of 85% of children. Therefore, all parents should know how herpes is transmitted, what contributes to its manifestation and what its first symptoms are.

The most common routes of transmission of herpes virus infection in children:

• contact with a carrier of the virus;
• while using utensils or any clothing of a sick person;
• during pregnancy and childbirth from mother to child;
• during breastfeeding, in case of relapse of herpes in the mother.

Factors contributing to the frequent manifestation of herpes in children:

• general condition of the body and immunity;
• stressful situations;
• the presence of an infectious disease and weakening of the body;
• injuries;
• active sun (summer is the season of exacerbation of such diseases);
• elevated temperature, drying of mucous membranes (for example, when a child is dehydrated or overheated).

Symptoms of herpes in children depend on the stage of the disease and the age of the child. They look like this:

Types of herpes and their manifestations in children

Typically, the virus stays in the body for a long time without manifesting itself, and is activated only after a decrease in protective forces due to illness, overwork, stress, and hypothermia. In this case, group rashes appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and genitals.

Genital herpes

It is considered especially dangerous for pregnant women due to the possible transmission of the virus to the baby at birth. Genital herpes in a child can appear in the first days of life with varying degrees of severity. There are such forms:

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Genital herpes in a baby can cause significant complications and unpleasant consequences, such as:

• eye and hearing complications;
• disorders of cardiovascular activity;
• neurological lesions;
• diseases of internal organs;
• defects in the subsequent development of the child.

In adolescence, herpes in the intimate area can appear in the form of rashes: in girls - on the vaginal mucosa, in boys - on the penis. It is transmitted only through sexual contact.

Signs of genital herpes:

• feeling of heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen;
• rashes in the intimate area;
• pain when urinating;
• poor sleep, headache, overwork.

How to treat herpes in this form in a teenager should be recommended by a doctor after examination and diagnosis. The main task is to maintain personal hygiene and complete the full course of treatment.

Herpes encephalitis in children and its complications

Among viral diseases that negatively and deeply affect the nervous system, about 6% belong to the herpes virus. The consequences of penetration of such a herpes virus into a child can be the most severe: from disturbances in brain function to death.

Herpes encephalitis in children begins to develop during primary infection, penetrating directly into the brain and causing severe disturbances. Mortality from this type of virus is up to 80% of cases, and the remaining 20% ​​lead to disability (epilepsy, pronounced dementia, hydrocephalus).

At the beginning, the disease is expressed by a sharp jump in temperature, and the rash on the skin is similar to ordinary herpes. But after 2-3 days, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and vomiting (not related to food intake) may appear. If herpes is suspected in children, such symptoms clearly indicate the herpetic form of encephalitis.

When such a diagnosis is made, treatment occurs only in a hospital setting, sometimes the child ends up in intensive care.

Treatment for this form of herpes in children is carried out using complex therapy with Acyclovir and immunobiological drugs. At the same time, therapy is carried out to help reduce brain swelling and detoxify the body.

To improve the child’s condition, the following are subsequently carried out additionally:

• massage;
• physical therapy exercises;
• physiotherapy;
• treatment in special sanatoriums.

Labial herpes

The location of the rashes in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle is most common in both children and adults and they are caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Herpes on a child's face can be on the cheeks, lips, eyebrows, chin, forehead, in the child's nose, near the ears and eyes. The nature of the pain and the blisters themselves are usually similar, the difference being the size of the affected area of ​​skin. Symptoms also vary from child to child: toothache or high fever may occur.

Herpes on or near the child's nose is manifested by the same rashes, but some parents may mistake it for a manifestation of dermatitis. Treatment is carried out with ointments and medications, as with other forms of herpes.

If the herpes is located in the nose (inside on the mucous membrane), the rash differs in appearance and resembles abscesses. All rashes should be lubricated with ointment. The child needs to be provided with separate towels and handkerchiefs, and his close contacts with other people should be limited.

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Each time after blowing his nose, he should wash his hands with soap. Additionally, to soften the crusts and relieve itching, you can use folk remedies: lubricating the nose with fir oil or propolis tincture.

Herpes caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus

Rashes on other areas of the skin are less common in medical practice; for example, herpes on a child’s leg occurs only after touching someone else’s things or objects, or due to touching first the sore spot and then the leg.

If the rash is located on the feet or toes, the likely cause is the chickenpox virus. To accurately determine the type of virus, you need to take your child to the doctor and get tested. This is important because therapeutic treatments for different types of virus differ.

The effect of this type of virus on a child depends on the state of his immune system. With low immunity in children (as well as in adults), herpes zoster is characterized by severe pain.

Another unpleasant pattern is that this virus can spread throughout the body (that’s why it’s called shingles).

A sign of such a virus is also unilateral herpes on the child’s cheek, or on other parts of the body (also on one side). The rashes usually tend to cluster together and form very painful patches. It is very difficult to treat.

Treatment of herpes infection

Every parent should know exactly how and how to treat herpes in children in order to begin treatment in a timely manner and eliminate the possibility of serious consequences for the child’s body. The treatment process should begin after the first suspicion of herpes - this will speed up the recovery process.

Herpes infection in children in advanced forms develops into a chronic disease and can cause serious complications.

Treatment of herpes in children involves the use in combination of:

Let us refute the misconception of some parents who ask whether it is possible to smear herpes with brilliant green or alcohol? This should not be done under any circumstances, because... these substances contain alcohol, which causes burns to the skin and mucous membranes. It is completely useless to smear herpes with any cauterizing agent - it will not affect the virus in any way.

Prevention of herpes

Parents asking the question of how to cure herpes completely can only answer one thing: it is impossible to eliminate such a disease forever; any treatment for this disease is aimed solely at preventing or reducing the number of relapses (repeated manifestations).

Preventive measures depend on the form of herpes:

It is also necessary to teach the child to follow these rules:

• personal hygiene;
• prohibition of using other people's things;
• avoid communication with sick people;
• during epidemics, use antiviral ointments in the nose.

The most effective rule aimed at preventing herpes in children is to constantly monitor the health and condition of the child’s skin, so that at the first signs of herpes, seek advice from a pediatrician as soon as possible and begin treatment immediately.

Do you still think that it is impossible to get rid of herpes forever?