Herpes occurs in children. Herpes in children: types, symptoms and treatment

Herpes is the most common chronic viral infection in the world. There are two types of this virus. Type I virus appears in the mouth or lips and is not usually transmitted through sexual contact. When initially infected, it usually causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers in young children. In older children and adults, similar ulcers appear around the lips. They are also caused by the herpes virus type I. In some children, herpes occurs due to extreme stress, fatigue or other illnesses, while in others it never appears. Adults and children with herpes type I should not kiss until the external manifestations of the disease completely disappear. An ointment for external use (for example, Acyclovir) helps eliminate them, but does not cure the infection.

Herpesvirus type II usually appears on and around the genitals and is almost always transmitted through sexual contact. First, small blisters form, which then burst, leaving behind painful sores. It is genital herpes that receives close attention in many publications. The biggest danger for a child is that he can become infected with genital herpes from his mother during childbirth. In this case, immediate treatment is required to prevent the infection from entering the brain.

Washing your hands with soap kills the herpes virus. So if parents or other caregivers of a child with herpes wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching affected parts of the body, they will not be able to infect the child.

Causes of herpes in children

It can appear on almost any part of the body. Most often, however, herpes appears in the corners of the lips, on the lips or in the mouth. Very often, the herpes simplex virus (it is the culprit of the disease) is transmitted through saliva.

The infection usually affects the entire oral cavity. Then the virus changes and goes into a state of “hibernation”, “awakening” from time to time. Bright sunlight, cold, heat, elevated body temperature, psychological stress - all these factors can stimulate the activity of the virus. When a blister appears on the affected area of skin, the child may experience a burning sensation or a characteristic tingling sensation.

Modern, highly effective antiviral drugs are used to combat the herpes virus. These drugs are successfully used to treat viral diseases in Children with weakened immune systems. However, one important circumstance should be taken into account: all of the drugs mentioned only soften the symptoms of the disease, but do not destroy the virus, which means that the possibility of relapse of the disease cannot be excluded. As a rule, the child does not need to undergo antiviral therapy. In most cases, you can limit yourself to symptomatic treatment (doctors usually recommend lubricating herpes with lip balm). Herpes usually disappears completely within 7-14 days. Warn your child not to try to pick out the formed blister from the skin - this can lead to the development of an inflammatory process. A child infected with the herpes virus can attend school without having to miss classes.

Herpes is an acute viral disease of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes virus. There are two known forms of herpes: simple and herpes zoster. They not only differ in their clinical manifestations, but are also caused by different types of herpes viruses. This chapter will focus primarily on herpes simplex, the culprit of the “fever” or “cold” on the lips that so often occurs in children.

What you need to know about the herpes virus

Infection with the herpes virus occurs through direct contact with a sick person or virus carrier, as well as through airborne droplets (through the air with tiny droplets of the patient’s saliva when talking, coughing, sneezing).
Until about 3 years of age, children are protected from the virus; they receive their mother’s immunity, which is transmitted in utero. But newborn children also get sick if the mother suffers from the genital form of herpes (herpes on the genitals).
Most often, the virus enters the body undetected, without causing any symptoms, and settles in the nervous system (nerve ganglia). There he sits for the time being, without declaring himself in any way. “Fever” on the lip occurs at a time when the body is weakened (colds, stress, hypothermia, hypovitaminosis, etc.). Appearing on the skin and mucous membranes, the virus actively multiplies and infects others with its copies. After clinical recovery, when the skin and mucous membranes are cleared, the virus will again “go underground” and hide in the nerve ganglia. A new exacerbation will arise under the influence of some unfavorable factor. This course - periods of exacerbation alternating with temporary lulls - is called recurrent, and exacerbations of herpes are called relapses.
If a person was infected with the virus once, then herpes will remain in his nervous system, and may, without affecting his health and well-being, never manifest itself.
Herpes “sleeping” in the nerve ganglia is not contagious. Only actively reproducing viruses pose a danger, when manifestations of the disease are visible on the skin or mucous membranes.
Everyone knows that herpes occurs on the lips or around the mouth, but not everyone knows that it can appear in other places: on the cheeks and nose, on the buttocks and thighs, in the genital area and on the fingers. Herpetic eye infections are severe.
Usually herpes appears in the same place all the time. However, it also happens that its location changes with each new exacerbation.

Symptoms and signs of herpes simplex in children

Probably everyone has seen herpes on the lip. It is not difficult to distinguish it. A person who often gets herpes is well acquainted with the unpleasant sensation that precedes its appearance. This may be itching, burning, tingling, slight soreness in the place where the “fever” is about to rise. After a few hours, redness will appear there, and then a group of small bubbles will appear. The contents of the bubbles are initially transparent, but after 2-3 days they become cloudy. Herpetic blisters last from several hours to several days. On the lips they disappear quickly, in 1-2 days, and on the skin they can last a week. As a result, the inflammation ends with the appearance of a crust. The crust disappears over time and a pinkish or brownish spot remains in its place for some time.

During an exacerbation of herpes, the child’s general condition, as a rule, does not suffer. Sometimes the temperature may rise moderately, stool disorders may occur, and nearby lymph nodes may become enlarged.

Herpetic eye lesions are fraught with big troubles. Therefore, you need to make sure that the child does not spread the infection from his face into his eyes with his hands.

Aphthous stomatitis.

Herpes of newborns. The course of herpes in newborns is extremely severe, often fatal.

Infection of a child occurs in two ways:

during childbirth, if the herpes virus is active in the mother’s birth canal;
or during pregnancy through the umbilical cord.

The disease usually develops on the 4-7th day after birth and occurs with high fever, profuse rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, intestines, and eyes. Herpes in newborns can affect the liver, adrenal glands, bronchi and central nervous system. Therefore, it is extremely important for a woman, before she decides to become pregnant and give birth to a child, to be tested for herpes and treated for it.

Treatment of herpes in children

Treatment in the acute phase

At the beginning, while herpetic blisters have not yet appeared, lotions with 70% ethyl or camphor alcohol are used. Temperature effects can be used. In some cases, these remedies make it possible to interrupt the further development of the rash.
For rashes in the mouth, it is recommended to rinse with solutions of furatsilin, rivaiol, tincture of calendula or rotokan (1 tsp per 1 glass of water). Attention! The use of corticosteroid ointments (flucinar, celestoderm, hydrocortisone, elocom, advantan, etc.) is contraindicated. They only increase the time of rashes, and in some cases lead to the formation of ulcers at the site of the opened blisters or contribute to suppuration.
Antiherpetic drugs can reduce the duration of rashes by approximately 2 times. Available in the form of ointments and tablets. You can apply antiherpetic ointment to the affected area from the first signs of herpes. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it is. The doctor prescribes medications internally.

Oksolin, ointment 1%. Apply to skin lesions 3-4 times a day.

Interferon, ointment 30%. Lubricate the affected area 3-5 times a day.

Viferon, ointment. Lubricate the affected area 3-5 times a day.

Acyclovir (Virolex, Zovirax, Ciclovir), ointments and creams. Apply to the affected area 5 times a day.

Tebrofen 2 or 5%. Lubricate the affected areas 3-*4 times a day for 3-7 days.

Bonafton, ointment 0.05, 0.25 and 0.5%. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 3-4 times a day. For the skin use 0.5% ointment, for mucous membranes - 0.05 and 0.25% ointment.

Alpizarin, ointment 2 and 5%. Lubricate the affected areas 2-3 times a day for 10-30 days. For the skin use 5% ointment, for mucous membranes - 2% ointment.

Florenal, ointment 0.5 and 1%. Lubricate the affected areas 3 times a day. For the skin use 1% ointment, for mucous membranes - 0.5% ointment.

Viru-Merz serol. Apply to the affected area 3-5 times a day, lightly rubbing.

Riodoxol, ointment 0.25%; 0.5% and 1%. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 1-3 times a day for 1-4 weeks.

Gossypol, liniment 3%. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 4-6 times a day. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

To increase the body's resistance, large doses of ascorbic acid and drugs that enhance immunity are indicated (for details, see “Frequently ill children”). Prescribed by a doctor.
Physiotherapy: UHF, ultraviolet irradiation, phonophoresis of interferon ointment. Prescribed by a physiotherapist.
Additional methods:

Treat blistering rashes with undiluted tea tree oil 2-3 times a day.

Dietary supplement "Citrosept". Contains natural vitamin C and bioflavonoids in concentrated form. External and internal use.

Dietary supplement "Lakrinat". Contains licorice root powder. Antiviral, anti-herpetic agent.

To prevent relapses

Important in treatment is the prevention of relapses (periodic exacerbations of herpes).

The following methods are used to prevent relapses:

Boosting immunity. Various drugs are used for this.

Preparations: decaris, methyluracil, pentoxyl, vitamin A, lysozyme, glycyram, zinc preparations, etc. You can read in detail about increasing immunity in the chapter “Frequently ill children.” The dose and course of treatment are prescribed by the doctor.

Antiviral drugs (acyclovir, etc.) orally. Prescribed by a doctor.

Graft. A vaccine against herpes has been developed. True, it appeared relatively recently and the experience of its use is still small. There is evidence that the use of inactivated herpes vaccine can achieve good results. Relapses of the disease occur less frequently, and in some cases stop. During the period of exacerbation of herpes, the severity of symptoms decreases and the duration of the process is reduced.

The vaccine is used in cycles of 5 injections every 4 days. The course of treatment consists of 6-8 cycles. The main contraindications to treatment with the herpetic vaccine are liver and kidney diseases, malignant neoplasms, pregnancy, and intolerance to tetracycline antibiotics.

Gamma globulin. The doctor may give your child gamma globulin injections in short courses. Gamma globulin is a protein that is obtained from human or animal blood and contains antibacterial and antiviral antibodies (including to the herpes virus). It is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Interferon and its inducers. Interferon is a protective protein of the body that kills viruses. Interferon inducers are substances that promote its production.

The advantage of these drugs is that they have an antiviral effect.

To prevent relapses of herpes, the following drugs from this group are used:

Human leukocyte interferon. For herpes it is used in the form of lotions, ointments, and can also be administered by inhalation, injection and iontophoresis. Improvement in the condition of patients, as a rule, occurs from the first doses of the drug, and recovery time is shortened by 3-4 times.
Viferon, leukinferon, reaferon, feron, etc.
Interferon inducers: poludanum, prodigiosan, pyrogenal, megosin. These drugs are recommended for all forms of herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The prescription and choice of the drug, as well as the dose and course, are the doctor’s priority.
Prevention of recurrence of herpes
Avoid hypothermia, mental and physical stress.
Foods rich in proteins and vitamins
Physical education and hardening.

herpetic infection

Herpes is a viral infection caused by different types of herpes virus. It is characterized by rashes in the form of small, crowded blisters on the mucous membranes and skin. The disease is dangerous due to complications for infants and during intrauterine infection.

How to treat herpes in children? The herpes virus cannot be cured forever if it has already entered the body. It can only be calmed down, muffled. A person has the genetic ability of the immune system to fight the herpes virus. In one child, herpes appears every three months, in another - once a year, and in a third it does not “wake up” at all. Sooner or later, every child becomes infected with one or another type of herpes virus. It is believed that 100% of the population of our planet has cytomegalovirus, and the herpes simplex virus occurs in 90% of people.

Causes

In an inactive state, the virus lives in nerve cells. Under the influence of what factors is it activated?

Constant fatigue.
Great physical activity.
Stress.
Emotional overload.
ARVI and other diseases.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays, overheating.
Drying of mucous membranes.
Frequent hypothermia.
Injuries to mucous membranes and skin.
Poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency.

But still, the main reason is a decrease in the protective properties of the body. With weak immunity in children, the herpes virus progresses, affecting large areas of the body and mucous membranes. The weaker the immune system, the more severe the herpes infection.

How does infection occur?

The herpetic virus is highly contagious, that is, infectious. The main transmission routes are airborne and contact. A person is considered to be most contagious during the period of rash. Where and how can you most often get infected? In everyday life, if there are carriers of the virus in the house, strict rules of personal hygiene are not observed. You can become infected through shared towels, dishes, and unwashed hands. If infection has occurred, this does not mean that the child will immediately develop a fever on the lip. The virus can only become active under favorable conditions - weakened immunity.

Types of Herpes

There are about 80 (according to some sources about 100) herpes viruses. Medical science describes 8 types of herpes, which are capable of causing various types of herpes infection. They may differ in symptoms, duration, and severity of the disease.

Herpes type 1.
Herpes simplex virus, which causes rashes on the lips (fever), on the wings of the nose, around the mouth, and on the oral mucosa. One of the most common types.
Herpes type 2.
Affects the mucous membranes of the genitals. It is less common than herpes type 1. Sometimes viruses 1 and 2 appear simultaneously. Infection most often occurs during passage through the birth canal. In boys, the glans penis is affected; in girls, the mucous membrane of the labia is affected. Genital herpes in children causes severe itching. This type of virus is also capable of causing herpetic sore throats and stomatitis. Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis. A severe disease affecting the lymphoid system. With infectious mononucleosis, the following symptoms are observed: fever, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, swelling of the adenoids, enlarged spleen and liver. The disease is dangerous due to complications and leads to weakened immunity. The final diagnosis is established only after a blood test and detection of atypical mononuclear cells.
Herpes type 5.
Causes cytomegalovirus infection. This type of herpes first occurs in a child at the age of 2, when he begins attending the nursery group of a kindergarten. Less common is intrauterine infection with cytomegalovirus, which entails serious consequences and developmental disorders. Cytomegalovirus infection may not manifest itself for a long time. A child may be a virus carrier. When cytomegalovirus is activated, symptoms similar to infectious mononucleosis occur. However, the lymph nodes and tonsils are not affected. It is treated in the same way as other types of herpes virus - with antiherpetic drugs. Extremely dangerous for pregnant women.
Herpes type 6.

Herpes virus type 6 in children causes roseola, or sudden exanthema. This disease is also called pseudorubella. A characteristic symptom is small pink papules on the skin that turn pale when pressed. At the beginning of the disease, the temperature rises, but there is no cough or runny nose. The child recovers quickly. Herpes type 6 in children often misleads doctors: there seemed to be an acute onset, an increase in temperature, but no catarrhal signs followed. First, a diagnosis of acute respiratory viral infection or acute respiratory infection is made, and only after the appearance of a rash suspicions arise: is it rubella or roseola? Often, a rash with sudden exanthema is confused with allergic rashes.

Herpes types 7 and 8.

Viruses of a new generation, recently discovered. There is an assumption that they cause chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and cancer.

Treatment of herpes infection in children is carried out at the initial stage of the disease. If 3 days have passed since the bubbles appeared, there is no point in using special medications. Treatment is usually prescribed if the virus recurs frequently, the rash lasts a long time, and spreads to other parts of the body.

Antiherpetic drugs. They come in the form of ointments, creams, gels, tablets and injections. The most effective treatment for chronic forms of herpes is not local treatment, but oral administration of drugs. This allows you to increase the concentration of the substance in the blood. The discovery of acyclovir was a major event in medicine. Today, this is the most effective cure for the herpes virus. The most well-known drugs: Acyclovir, Gerpevir, Famacyclovir, Virolex, Tebrofen, Vidarabine, Riodoxol, Zovirax. Phosphonoformat and Ganciclovir are used to treat cytomegalovirus infection.
The use of antiviral and immunostimulating agents. They quickly stop the action of the virus and prevent it from infecting other areas of the skin. The doctor may prescribe: “Arpetol”, “Immunal”, “Groprinosin”. The insidiousness of the herpes virus is that when it is active, the body does not produce interferon, as happens with other viruses. Therefore, the doctor prescribes the drug “Interferon” by injection. Medicines that stimulate the production of natural interferon are also used: Neovir, Cycloferon.
Vitamin therapy. The body needs to help cope with the virus and strengthen the immune system. For this, the doctor prescribes a complex of vitamins. Vitamin C, a group of B vitamins, and calcium are especially useful. A tincture of Eleutherococcus is indicated, which increases the overall tone of the body, strengthens the immune system, improves the functioning of the nervous system, and relieves physical, emotional and mental fatigue.
Antipyretics and bed rest. With infectious mononucleosis, roseola, and chickenpox, the temperature rises. It is necessary to monitor the child’s condition and bring down the temperature above 38.5 °C. You also need to give your child to drink as much as possible. The air in the room should be fresh, cool and humid.
Antihistamines. Prescribed for severe itching and extensive skin lesions. The most commonly used drugs are: “Erius”, “Fenistil”, “Claritin”, “Gismanal”, “Ketitofen”, “Terfen”, “Cetrin”.

The essence of treating herpes in children is to suppress the virus and reduce its activity. There is no cure for the herpes virus. A pediatrician treats chickenpox, sudden exanthema, infectious mononucleosis, and cytomegalovirus. If the rashes are too frequent, cause discomfort, severe itching, you should consult a pediatric immunologist. The doctor will prescribe special immunological tests.

Features of herpes infection in infants

Herpes in infants is rare. Primary infection with herpes in a child can occur at 1 year of age, when the mother’s antibodies no longer protect against the virus. Herpes of any type in infancy is dangerous with complications. The organs of hearing and vision, cardiac, genitourinary and nervous systems are primarily affected. The virus can lead to hepatitis, pneumonia, inflammation of the membranes of the brain and the development of herpetic encephalitis, meningitis, mental disorders, and impaired reproductive function. Also, children often develop lesions of the oral mucosa - stomatitis - against the background of a herpetic infection. They can be severe and require long-term treatment.

If there are infants and adults in the house who suffer from herpes infection, you need to adhere to strict preventive measures during rashes:

put on a gauze bandage;
do not kiss the child;
do not touch the bubbles, wash your hands often;
use individual dishes.

Herpes in a child most often occurs on the lips, around the mouth, on the wings of the nose, and on the oral mucosa. Less often - on the body, cases of genital herpes are even less common. The disease is effectively treated with antiherpetic drugs. Herpes is dangerous due to the following complications: herpetic eczema, encephalitis, mental disorders, inflammation of internal organs.

When herpes is detected in children, treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor. Symptoms of herpes are small blistering rashes; in children, the disease most often occurs in the form of a cold on the lips, which should be treated as prescribed by a pediatrician or dermatologist. You can become infected with this disease through airborne droplets after contact with a carrier or a sick person. The herpes virus can cause several different diseases, affecting different tissues and organs.

What parents need to know about childhood herpes on the body

There is certain information that any adult should know in order to protect their child from infection.

Thanks to the mother's immunity, which is transmitted in utero to the child, children under three years of age are rarely susceptible to this disease. In cases where the mother is a carrier of the genital form of herpes, the disease is transmitted during labor.
The virus enters the child’s body without awakening symptoms, settling in the nervous system. As soon as the body becomes weakened, herpes begins to appear on the skin and mucous membrane. It actively reproduces and is transmitted to others. After treatment is completed, there will be no signs of the disease left on the body and mucous membranes. The virus will hide in the nerve ganglia.

Once a child is infected with such a virus, he will remain susceptible to this disease.
A dormant virus is not contagious.
The disease manifests itself not only on the lips and around the mouth, but also on the cheeks, nose, thighs and buttocks, fingers and genitals.
Usually the disease manifests itself in one place, less often the location changes during a new exacerbation.

Prevention of herpes in children

Methods for preventing type 1 viruses include:

isolation of a sick child from peers as soon as the manifestation of the disease begins;
elimination of the infectious focus;
taking desensitizing medications during the epidemic period;
the use of antiviral ointments for placement in the nasal cavity during epidemics;
gymnastics, increasing immunity, hardening procedures;
taking vitamins and minerals.

In addition, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures that are aimed against genital herpes.

It is necessary to identify a pregnant woman with an increased risk of developing intrauterine infection of the fetus and the possibility of infection during labor.

Use cesarean section if infection occurs two months or less before birth. If infection occurs in the early stages, then it is allowed to give birth naturally. But starting from the thirtieth week, treatment with acyclovir is recommended, after consultation with a gynecologist. If the infection is severe, it is necessary to be treated regardless of the duration.

Diagnosis of the virus in a child

The main measures for establishing a diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the disease are:

Blood test using ELISA or PCR for viral antigens, followed by genotype identification.
Analysis for changes in cell number and protein in the blood.
Taking a sample for the herpes virus manifestation, as well as smears from the mucous membranes.
During generalized infections, a cerebrospinal fluid sample is taken, as well as scrapings from the affected area.
Carrying out computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound to determine the extent of damage to internal organs.

If children between the third and fifth years of life have reduced immunity or there is no treatment, the virus can cause serious complications:

pharyngitis;
stomatitis;
damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Moreover, such diseases occur in a very severe form and if they are not treated in time, the child’s health can deteriorate greatly.

But parents need to remember that any tablets or ointment that are used as medications must be prescribed by a doctor.

Intestinal ulceration often occurs in older children. Herpesvirus can cause disruption of the central nervous system, pneumonia in the newborn, and kidney failure. If these diseases are not treated, death is possible.

Types of childhood herpes

There are more than two hundred varieties of this virus, but the child’s body is exposed to infection with six herpes viruses, these include:

virus of the first and second types, leading to rashes in the form of transparent blisters at the site through which the infection occurred. For children, this is the oral cavity, since the disease is transmitted through unwashed hands, household items or products;
herpes of the third type provokes chickenpox; in children who have been ill, it sometimes gives way to shingles on the body;
Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis in a child, the treatment of which must be carried out in a timely manner, since the disease is asymptomatic in adolescence;

cytomegalovirus also causes an infection that does not cause any consequences of infection;
The sixth type virus causes exanthema in a child, which is often confused with rubella and begins to be treated erroneously. Since self-treatment does not bring positive results, parents turn to dermatologists, who prescribe the necessary tablets and ointment.

All of the above viruses are very common in children, but the first three varieties cause the most trouble. It is because of them that diseases with pronounced symptoms begin to develop. Very often, various kinds of complications arise, the treatment of which can drag on for a long period of time if you do not promptly seek the help of a qualified specialist.

Complications such as meningitis, encephalitis and other severe forms must be treated in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. To treat stomatitis, ointment and tablets prescribed by a doctor are used.

The dosage of any medications is determined by the doctor, depending on the age and individual characteristics of the child. It is not recommended to start treatment without consulting a specialist. Incorrectly selected tablets or ointment can cause complications.

When treating diseases that arise from the first type of virus, the following measures are used:

High-calorie diet, consumption of fermented milk products, meat, seafood, vegetables, dried fruits.
Frequent drinking.
Antihistamine and desensitizing tablets - tavegil, diazolin.
Therapies aimed at restoring strength and stabilizing the condition.
Antiviral medications based on interferon, as well as acyclovir ointment on infected areas of the body and orally in tablet form.
Correction of immunity – immunal, thymolin, histaglobin.
Introduction of antiherpetic vaccine.
Physiotherapy.

In addition, local treatment is necessary. To do this, lips are treated with antiseptic solutions, compresses and lotions are applied to the affected areas on the body. An ointment with an antiviral effect is applied in the form of applications.

To treat an acquired or congenital disease caused by a type 2 virus, it is necessary:

take acyclovir;

use Viferon and immunoglobulin;
use Zovirax, iododioxyuridine.

Traditional medicine uses certain methods to ease the course of infection in children and to speed up the healing process:

Children under one year old are allowed to make a lotion from celandine juice, which is applied for two to three minutes.
Lubricate the infected areas daily with raw quail egg white.
Drink lemon balm tincture.
Applying a compress of grated potato tuber, apple or garlic.
Wiping the infected area with aspen or onion juice.
Lubricating ulcers with alcohol tincture of propolis, which is pre-diluted with water.
Mixed vegetable and eucalyptus oils are rubbed into the skin.
Application of sea buckthorn oil.
Using toothpaste at the initial stage of the disease.

Symptoms and treatment of herpes in children of the first and second year of life

Diseases in children under one year of age are much more complex than in adults. Moreover, children are not recommended to take pills or use strong medications. Herpes in an infant can cause severe complications that will have to be treated for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms for newborns and children under one year of age are traditional; they can manifest themselves in the form of:

fever;
fatigue;
muscle pain;
irritability;
burning and itching on the body.

All rashes subsequently turn into sores and sores. To prevent the child from scratching the blisters, doctors prescribe antiallergic tablets or ointment, which can relieve itching and speed up healing. Typically, herpes on the lips in children heals within a few days after the first appearance. Also, the disease can spread to the mucous membrane of the throat, then the baby is not allowed to eat solid or hot food until complete healing. Parents must control this process.

The disease must be treated immediately after the first sign appears. Because children of the first and second year of life have fragile immunity, recovery depends on timely treatment. An advanced infection will certainly acquire a chronic or recurrent form, which threatens further complications.

To eliminate herpetic infections, a specialist will prescribe antiviral tablets, approved for children of the 1st and 2nd year of life. Treatment of infections in young children is aimed at minimizing symptoms and suppressing viral activity. To do this, you should purchase ointment and tablets that can relieve the child’s burning and painful sensations. It is worth making sure that the baby drinks as many liquids as possible and give antipyretic tablets if the temperature rises.

The main antiviral drug approved for children is acyclovir. It is sold in pharmacies as an ointment, tablets or intravenous injection. The administration of tablets or injections depends on the severity of the disease and its form. The ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin up to five times a day. Any medicine or ointment is given to a child only with the permission of the attending physician. Self-medication is unacceptable, as it can lead to serious complications.

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?

The child's body is more often affected by pathogens of herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-I). Externally, herpetic infection in children is manifested by the growth of blisters with watery contents on the lips, nostrils, and in the oral cavity. Therapy is recommended to be carried out with immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs and folk remedies.

About 8 types of herpes viruses cause human diseases, five of them are better studied, and research on the next three is ongoing. Clinical manifestations of herpesvirus infection in children depend on the age of the young patients, immune status, place of entry of the pathogen and its typology. Primary infection is accompanied by more severe symptoms than relapses.

A child can be infected with each of the following genotypes of the virus:

HSV-I, II are the causative agents of herpes simplex.
Varicella zoster causes chickenpox and herpes zoster.
Epstein–Barr virus is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis (rare).
Cytomegalovirus is the cause of infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis (rare).
Causative agents of sudden exanthema or “pseudo-rubella” (rare).

Primary infection almost always leads to the appearance of pronounced symptoms and a higher incidence of complications.

Various skin lesions, including the appearance of rashes on the face, provoke HSV-I and Varicella zoster. Herpetic stomatogingivitis and tonsillitis are caused by the first three types of viruses. Infection with HSV-I usually leads to changes in the mucous membranes in the throat and mouth. HSV-II usually causes genital infections and serious illness in newborns. The most common routes of infection with herpesviruses of the first and second types are through contact and household contact.

The activity of herpes infection in the body is facilitated by the following factors:

hypothermia and overheating;
hypo- and vitamin deficiencies;
poor digestion;
weak immunity;
frequent colds;
stress.

After infection, a herpes infection in a child manifests itself or becomes latent and remains in sensory neurons. Relapses of the disease are associated with both unfavorable external and internal changes. Reactivation of hepresvirus type 1 can follow oral trauma and unsuccessful dental procedures.

Causes and danger of children getting herpes simplex

Infection of the fetus occurs during intrauterine development through the placenta. A newborn becomes infected when passing through the birth canal, and after childbirth - through contact with the mother and medical staff. HSV-I is found in saliva and is transmitted through shared utensils and other objects. Diseases in children are often observed after the age of one year, by which time the effect of the mother’s antibodies in the baby’s body ends. If a child already attends a preschool institution, he becomes infected through toys and hygiene items.

The virus remains in the human body forever; treatment is aimed mainly at getting rid of the symptoms of the disease, preventing complications and relapses.

Often, primary infection with HSV-I is asymptomatic, but the virus “sleeps” in the child’s nerve cells - it is in a hidden form (latent). From time to time, it is reactivated in response to hypothermia, overheating, fever or other factors. A repeat outbreak of HSV-I often begins with a tingling, itching sensation in the area where there were previously blistering rashes.

The development of primary herpes infection of the second type in newborns is observed in the first weeks of life. The virus affects the central nervous system, skin, eyes and oropharynx. The generalized form of HSV-II often causes the development of herpetic pneumonia in the newborn. The addition of a bacterial and fungal infection leaves little hope for the baby’s recovery. Such forms of herpes require hospitalization of the patient. If relapses occur and they are less dangerous, then treatment is carried out at home.

Reactivation of HSV-II is manifested by the growth of blisters on the genitals and adjacent areas of the body - in the vagina, cervix, vulva, penis, buttocks and thighs.

Early age, lack of treatment, reduced immunity- the main causes of serious complications of herpes simplex in a child. Then stomatitis or tonsillitis occurs in a severe form, the herpes virus causes eye damage - conjunctivitis, keratitis. The most serious cases lead to diseases of the joints, internal organs, herpetic encephalitis or meningitis.

Signs of herpes type 1

When a primary HSV-I infection develops, inflammation of the oral mucosa begins, the gums, lymph nodes swell, and the temperature rises. Bubbles appear in the mouth, as in the photo. They then turn into ulcers and heal slowly over 7 to 14 days. During a relapse of herpes, sores around the mouth may develop.

In most cases, rashes due to HSV-I infection are localized in children in the oral cavity and oropharynx. The first type of virus causes herpetic stomatitis, affecting the red border of the lips and the area around them, and other parts of the face. But only 10–30% of HSV-I carriers develop symptoms that last for 5–14 days. Viral shedding lasts approximately 3 weeks.

Clinical signs and symptoms of herpes infection in children:

Sudden onset of illness, lethargy or irritability, fever.
Increased drooling in infants, pain when sucking and swallowing.
Redness, swelling of the gums, bleeding.
Vesicles on the tongue, palate, gums, and sometimes on the lips.
Reluctance to eat and/or drink.

Acute herpetic stomatitis is considered a common clinical manifestation of HSV-I in a child aged 6 months to 5 years. Herpes in children 2–3 years old is manifested by lethargy, malaise, redness and pain in the throat, and fever. Symptoms of herpes infection in the throat in children of primary school age and adolescents resemble pharyngotonsillitis. Lesions can spread to areas of the mucous membrane or skin if infected saliva gets on them. Complications often develop in the case of a primary infection; subsequently, the immune system usually copes with the virus.

Genital herpetic infection. Diagnosis of HSV

The second type of virus primarily affects the reproductive system, although this pathogen also causes oral herpes. If the infection occurs in utero or during the passage of the child through the birth canal, then the weakened baby begins to get sick immediately after birth. The incubation period averages 6 to 8 days.

Generalized herpes of newborns leads to damage to the most important organs and systems - nervous, digestive, cardiovascular.

The most severe disease occurs with intrauterine infection, infection of the child immediately before birth. Within a few days after birth, characteristic symptoms are observed - fever develops, rashes appear on the body. Signs of herpes include yellowing of the skin, darkening of the urine, and discoloration of the child's stool. The external genitalia are covered with vesicles. With the development of herpesvirus pneumonia, death is possible.

The doctor prescribes general blood analysis to determine changes in its composition. Swabs are taken from the mucous membranes to detect the virus. The diagnosis is most facilitated by blood tests using enzyme immunoassay or polymerase chain reaction (ELISA and PCR, respectively).

The final diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of the virus in tissue cultures. For adequate treatment, it is important to identify its genotype.

In the case of a generalized infection, the medical staff performs scrapings from the affected areas. Doctors prescribe spinal tap to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for signs of disease. In addition, they help to identify the degree of damage to individual organs electroencephalogram, ultrasound and other studies (MRI, CT).

Drug treatment of herpes infection

Children with a generalized form of herpes require hospitalization and intensive care. It is necessary to contact a pediatrician if, after discharge from the maternity hospital, the newborn develops a fever, rashes, redness and inflammation of the eyelids and mucous membranes of the eyes. When children over one year of age develop superficial lesions of the mouth, throat, and skin, treatment at home may be sufficient. During this period, it is necessary to prevent scratching of the blisters and scabs.

Children who experience discomfort due to sores in the mouth or lips are given paracetamol (acetaminophen). When a viral herpes infection develops in the oropharynx in children, the use of medications accelerates the healing of ulcers and reduces the risk of complications and relapses. Antiviral therapy is more often used in cases of generalized infection of newborns, genital herpes, a weakened immune system, and severe brain damage.

Doctors prescribe medications and select dosages in accordance with the age, body weight and condition of the child.

How to treat herpes of the first and second types in children:

Treatment of affected areas with antiseptic and anesthetic liquids (chlorhexidine, lidocaine).
Lotions with solutions of proteolytic enzymes to dissolve dead tissue (lysozyme).
Immunomodulatory medications based on interferon - suppositories, gel and ointment "Viferon".
Antiviral drug acyclovir - tablets orally, cream - externally.
Desensitizing therapy (fenkarol, pipolfen).
Applications from oil solutions of tocopherol and vitamin A, sea buckthorn oil.
Antiherpetic vaccination between relapses of the disease.

It is recommended to include in the diet of sick children dairy products, veal, poultry, rabbit, fish, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts. It is necessary to avoid foods and drinks that irritate the inflamed epithelium. The body must not be dehydrated, so they give apple juice and still mineral water.

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine suggests using medicinal plants and natural substances to treat herpes in children. Simple home procedures - compresses, baths, lotions - alleviate the condition and speed up recovery. The patient should be given separate dishes and towels to prevent the spread of infection in the family. The child can attend school, but in the event of primary infection, pediatricians recommend leaving children at home.