Herpes in children: types, symptoms, treatment and consequences. Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of herpes in children

There is the biggest law of meanness: if you have an important meeting, taking a memorable photo or an interview for a new job, herpes will definitely appear on your face on that day. The appearance of this disease is not associated only with adulthood; most often, infection with herpes occurs in childhood, and in adulthood we see only an exacerbation of the viral infection.

Herpes infection is chronic. This is due to the fact that the herpes virus is localized in the nerve cells of the mucosa, where antiviral drugs cannot penetrate. It is in these cells that the virus lies dormant and begins to actively multiply when the body’s defenses are reduced.

Causes of herpes in children

Infection most often occurs through shared dishes, kisses, or a shared towel. Most often, children become infected with the herpes virus from adults (from their parents), as they are in close contact with them. Pacifiers pose a particular risk of infection to children. Very often you can observe a picture when a mother, before giving her baby a pacifier, licks it to remove excess microbes from its surface. At the same time, not a single mother thinks about how many bacteria and viruses are in her mouth, including herpes viruses. Under no circumstances should you lick your child’s personal items, only rinse with boiled water.

The herpes virus can persist on toys for some time, so it is very important to periodically boil toys, especially in kindergartens, where more than 10 children can play with the same toy per day. Therefore, in kindergartens all toys should only be plastic or rubber.

It is customary to distinguish two types of herpes infection: herpes types 1 and 2. Previously, it was believed that type 1 herpes could only cause damage to the mucous membranes of the lips (labial), and type 2 herpes could only cause damage to the genitals (genital). However, more recently, scientists have proven that both herpes type 1 and herpes type 2 can cause damage to both the lips and genitals. Therefore, if a mother, for example, has labial herpes, and she uses the baby's towel to wipe her face, and then wipes the baby with that towel after washing, the baby may develop genital herpes, although it was previously thought that it could only be transmitted through sexual contact.

Most often, herpes infection manifests itself against the background of colds, since this is when the child’s immunity decreases. Poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, frequent hypothermia, and chronic stress also lead to the development of herpetic infection. The season for the appearance of herpes infection is autumn-spring, when daylight hours shorten, the amount of vitamins and minerals entering the body decreases, and the ambient temperature decreases. In some cases, herpetic infection may occur in the summer, and this is due to the presence of immunodeficiency conditions in the child or chronic hypothermia when using fans and air conditioners, or sunburn of the mucous membranes.

Symptoms of herpes in children

Symptoms of a herpes infection in a child are fever and a vesicular rash. The child’s body temperature may increase slightly, up to 37-37.5˚ C. In some cases, if the child’s body is weakened, the body temperature may rise to 38.5˚ C. The temperature usually lasts 2-3 days, and then decreases in the absence of complications . A vesicular rash appears on the mucous membrane of the lips against the background of hyperemia (redness) and swelling of the lip. Typically, a herpetic rash is represented by 1-2 small blisters filled with clear liquid. Due to compression of the nerve endings in the area of the rash, pain and itching of this area is observed. After the vesicle is opened, a small ulcer forms in its place, which heals without leaving any marks. A feature of herpetic infection is that blisters appear in the same place with each exacerbation of the disease. This is explained by the fact that the herpes virus lives in the nerve fibers innervating this area.

With a significant decrease in immunity, the child’s condition can be very serious. He is worried about a significant increase in body temperature (sometimes up to 40˚ C), weakness, headache, and loss of appetite. The rash on the mucous membranes occupies a large area of the lip; after opening the vesicles, a wound surface is formed, which is then covered with a crust. Wound healing occurs under this crust. In this condition, if there is no proper treatment, children may develop complications in the form of herpetic damage to internal organs (most often the liver), herpetic gastroenterocolitis (manifested by vomiting, diarrhea), herpetic encephalitis (virus infection of brain cells). All these complications pose a serious danger to the child’s health and should be treated only in specialized clinics.

Congenital herpes in children

Congenital herpes poses a particular danger to children. This disease develops due to the virus entering the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. The most serious complications are observed if the child’s mother became infected with the herpes virus during pregnancy; it is less dangerous to develop than an exacerbation of a pre-existing infection. The time of exacerbation of infection is also important: the most dangerous period in terms of transmission of infection to a child is the period preceding childbirth. In some cases, a viral infection in the mother may be asymptomatic.

The first symptoms of the disease can appear in newborns as early as 48 hours after birth, especially for children whose infection occurred in the early stages of pregnancy. A later onset of the disease (a month after birth) is associated with infection of the child during childbirth.

Symptoms of herpes infection depend on the form of the disease and timing of infection. If infection occurs during childbirth, then the manifestations of the disease are reduced to the appearance of a vesicular rash on the skin, mucous membranes, palms and soles. When a child is infected during intrauterine development, the symptoms are associated with impaired development of various organs: the nervous system, liver, heart, pancreas. Symptoms of congenital herpes are as follows:

1. Jaundice. Jaundice has a wave-like character and begins on the 3-4th day. The stool is colored at the beginning of the disease, then loses color and becomes colorless. The urine is light at first and then darkens.
2. Damage to the central nervous system manifests itself in the form of convulsions, increased excitability, children refuse to eat, they are drowsy, and the process of thermoregulation is disrupted.
3. Generalization of the process. The child’s condition deteriorates sharply, they are lethargic, adynamic, refuse to eat, and herpetic pneumonia develops.

It is very important to start treatment on time, since in the absence of medical care for such children, the likelihood of death increases, in some cases the mortality rate can reach 90%.

Treatment of herpes in children

To treat herpes infection, antiviral drugs, immunostimulants, and interferons are used.

Antiviral drug Acyclovir is used for herpes infections. This drug can be used either as an intravenous injection or as tablets. The method of administration of the drug depends on the severity of the disease and its form. The drug is administered intravenously at a dosage of 30-60 mg/kg of the child’s body weight, orally – 90 mg/kg. Taking the drug should be divided into 3-4 parts. This drug can also be used externally in the form of an ointment. It must be applied to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes 4-5 times a day.

Immunostimulating drugs contribute to the fact that the child’s body fights the virus more effectively and does not allow the virus to infect new areas of mucous membranes and internal organs. For treatment, you can use immunostimulating drugs such as Immunal, Groprinosin, Arpetol.

Interferons contribute to the destruction of viruses and do not allow them to multiply uncontrollably. They can be used both in tablet form and in the form of suppositories. Suppositories are inserted into the child’s anus 2 times a day for 5 days, the course is repeated 2-3 times with a break of 5 days.

In addition to herpetic lesions of the mucous membranes, the herpes virus (usually the herpes zoster type of virus) can also infect the skin. In this case, diseases such as chicken pox and shingles may develop.

Prevention of herpes in children

To prevent herpes, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene and not use other people’s personal belongings, and avoid close contact with people with herpes. To strengthen the child’s immune system, proper nutrition, vitamin therapy in the autumn-spring period, and the use of immunostimulating drugs in preventive doses in the winter are necessary. You can also use the method of autohemotherapy, when the child’s blood from a vein is injected into the gluteal muscle according to a special scheme.

Remember! Herpes cannot be cured, it can only be healed.

Pediatrician Litashov M.V.

Herpes infection affects more than 90% of people on Earth. Moreover, herpes is characterized by a high level of contagiousness; it can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth or during pregnancy. Statistics say that out of 1000 children, 1 is infected with this disease. Herpes in an infant can cause death if the disease is not treated. This is fraught with the development of dangerous complications.

Causes

Typically, this type of disease in children is herpetic stomatitis. This occurs when the baby reaches 6 months of age. After six months of life, the baby lacks antibodies that provide protection against infection, which he received from his mother.

This phenomenon is observed at the time of teething when the integrity of the gums is damaged. The virus penetrates into the injured areas of the mucosa.

Symptoms

When a child is infected with herpes, symptoms of herpes appear on the inner surfaces of his cheeks and gums, such as redness, itching, and then sores appear, which are accompanied by pain. Sometimes there is an increase in the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes.

These symptoms are difficult to detect in infants, so the first step is to pay attention to how the baby behaves.
Pathological behavior is characterized by:

The capricious state of the child.
Constantly crying.
Increased temperature in a child.
The presence of a drowsy state.
The appearance of seizures.
Poor appetite.

Diseases caused by herpes

The listed symptoms are also characteristic of complications that developed against the background of primary herpes. Among them, several diseases can be distinguished.

Kaposi's eczema is a disease of the epidermis, which is accompanied by a blistering rash on the cheeks, arms, scalp, and lip. Typically, this disease causes itching, the skin becomes crusty, and the body temperature sometimes rises to 40 degrees. If infected, the child must be urgently admitted to an infectious diseases hospital for treatment.
Primary ocular herpes is characterized by the presence of redness in the eye area, accompanied by pain, profuse lacrimation, and in some cases the disease can cause clouding of the cornea.
Herpetic type felon is otherwise called inflammation of the fingers. This occurs due to the introduction of infection into the human body through damage to the epidermis. Symptoms are usually characterized by swelling, pain and redness.
Encephalitis develops due to the virus entering the central nervous system of a child while still in the womb. This usually causes cramps and fever. In this case, urgent treatment and hospitalization is necessary.

In childhood, the incubation period for infection ranges from 2 to 21 days.

Transmission routes

The most popular way of spreading the herpes simplex virus among children under 12 months of age is through airborne droplets. Infection is also possible during childbirth. A particular danger for the child is infection of a woman in the second period of pregnancy if timely and correct treatment is not carried out.

Children under one year of age usually become infected with herpes if parents do not follow hygiene rules. This is due to the fact that the infection can spread through the use of the same dishes, towels, and children's toys. Also, a baby can be infected with the labial type of herpes by a person who is in the stage of relapse - a secondary manifestation of the disease.

Diagnostics

The appearance of the disease can be determined visually. Its distinctive symptoms are blisters on the skin with liquid contents, as well as changes in the baby’s behavior.

To ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis, doctors prescribe tests of urine, nasal mucus, blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Principles of treatment

Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor after carrying out the necessary diagnostics. To exclude the possibility of developing neurological diseases, as well as death, complete treatment is required, consisting of an integrated approach.

Firstly, it is necessary to use drugs that reduce the activity of the virus and its ability to reproduce. Acyclovir is usually prescribed, which should be applied externally to treat rashes on the child’s body.

Secondly, you should take anti-herpes pills. If herpes complications described above occur, intravenous administration of Acyclovir is recommended.

Thirdly, a special place is given to increasing immunity. For this purpose, interferon is used in the form of injections. For infants, Neovir or Cycloferon may be prescribed.

Secondary herpes

The virus does not disappear from the human body, and during weakening of the immune system it manifests itself in relapses. Relapses can occur in different parts of the baby’s body:

On mucous membranes and skin.
On the genitals.
In the eye area.

Complications caused by relapse

If timely treatment of herpes is not carried out, the baby may develop complications, including:

damage to the organs responsible for vision and hearing;
disruption of the cardiovascular system;
diseases of internal organs;
disorders of blood circulation and blood composition.

In most cases, such complications can lead to death. Of particular danger is a relapse that occurs on the genitals.

To eliminate the risk of herpes in an infant, parents should adhere to a healthy lifestyle even before pregnancy, and also avoid sexual relations with infected people.

The level of immunity of the child and its ability to resist the herpes virus depends on the mother.

In the first day of a baby’s life, careful regular examination of its skin is required so as not to miss pathological symptoms. It is also necessary to constantly monitor the baby's behavior. If you have any concerns, you should consult your doctor.

Contact of the baby with people who may be carriers of the virus should be excluded, especially contact with people who have a rash on the lip should not be allowed.

Maintaining cleanliness in the room where the child grows up, as well as hardening him/her, will help avoid infection.

If infected, you must immediately visit a pediatrician and begin the prescribed treatment.

After the birth of a child, his health must be carefully monitored, especially if there are people around him who are carriers of herpes disease. If you suspect the development of herpes in your baby, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will carry out the necessary diagnostics and prescribe treatment appropriate to the type of infection.

The specificity of herpes as a disease is that children become infected with it much more often than adults. The reason here is the widespread prevalence of the virus: even if the parents and immediate relatives do not have the disease, already at the age of two or three years the child will involuntarily encounter a carrier. And how many babies become infected from sick mothers during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth!

At the same time, it is impossible to overly protect a child with a normal immune system and state of health from infection by creating sterile conditions for him. The human body is able to develop lifelong immunity to almost all types of herpes, and as soon as a child experiences the disease once, he will be reliably protected for the rest of his life. It is only important that this first infection passes easily and without complications.

Types of herpes viruses that most often cause illness in children

Of the more than 200 types of herpes viruses, 6 types are the most common in humans. Children become infected with them just as easily as adults, and therefore, in many cases, suffer from the corresponding diseases at a younger age.

These viruses include:

herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, which lead to the appearance of characteristic rashes in the form of transparent blisters in the place through which the infection occurred. Children most often transmit the virus through their mouths with unwashed hands, household items and some foods. Therefore, their symptoms are most often localized on the lips (in the form of a so-called cold on the lips);
Herpes virus type 3, called Varicella zoster in Latin. Causes chickenpox, which in people who have already had it in rare cases is replaced from time to time by recurrent herpes zoster;
Herpesvirus type 4, or Epstein-Barr virus, is the cause of infectious mononucleosis. According to statistics, by the age of 13, up to half of children are infected with this virus, the disease in whom occurs in a vague or asymptomatic form. A terrible consequence of infection with this virus is Burkitt's lymphoma, which affects children in the countries of equatorial Africa;
Herpes virus type 5, also called cytomegalovirus. Its peculiarity is that in most cases the infection is asymptomatic and there are no consequences of infection, which is why the vast majority of people - including children - are carriers of it;
Herpes virus type 6, very well known to pediatricians for causing sudden exanthema. It is very often confused with rubella, which is why it received its second name - pseudorubella.

Despite the fact that all of these viruses are widespread in children, the first three types cause the most trouble. Not only are the diseases they cause characterized by vivid symptoms, but also those who become ill often experience various complications in the form of stomatitis, gingivitis, meningitis, encephalitis and other diseases.

Such complications most often appear after a primary infection, but relapses are usually much less dangerous. And primary infection with herpes usually causes complications only when the child’s immune system is weakened.

All herpetic infections have their own specific clinical manifestations and characteristics when infected with them, and therefore deserve a separate description. Below we will dwell in more detail on herpes simplex in children, caused by herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2.

Characteristic symptoms of diseases

Symptoms caused by herpes infections in children are very similar to those in adults, but most often they are much more pronounced. Much here depends on the age at which the child became infected.

When a child is infected in the first days or even hours after birth, they usually talk about neonatal herpes, which is characterized by a special symptomatic picture and specific course.

In children of a later age, the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves somewhat differently. So, at the first, prodromal stage, it is not always possible to understand that the child is developing herpes. At this time, the child becomes less mobile, his temperature rises, he experiences severe malaise and weakness. Often at this stage headaches and sore throat appear, which are a sign of herpangina. It’s easy to mistake such signs for a cold and start fighting the wrong infection.

At the next stage, red itchy rashes appear on and around the lips, in the mouth, and sometimes around the eyes. As their intensity increases, the strength of the itching increases, which then turns into pain.

Next, transparent blisters filled with colorless liquid appear on the rash. In appearance, they are identical to the same vesicular rashes in adults, but are located over a larger area and can be much more pronounced. When a child develops herpetic gingivitis and stomatitis, blisters appear not only on the outer skin, but also in the oral cavity - on the mucous membranes, tonsils, tongue and gums. At the same time, on the gums they look like small white dots, no less painful than vesicles in other places.

Over time, these blisters become opaque and the fluid in them begins to resemble pus. All this time, the patient suffers from severe pain, and with herpangina, problems with swallowing food. Young children may scream a lot and have difficulty sleeping when the disease is severe.

At the next stage, the bubbles burst, a liquid flows out of them, in which viral particles are teeming - there are literally billions of them, and in place of each bubble a small ulcer appears. It quickly becomes crusty and in this form ceases to bother the child.

The last stage is the healing stage. The skin at the site of the ulcers is restored, the scabs fall off and no traces of the disease remain.

Neonatal herpes is characterized by approximately the same symptoms, which, however, also has its own specifics.

Neonatal herpes

Neonatal herpes is often called congenital herpes. In many cases, children become infected during childbirth or in the first hours after it, and symptoms of the disease appear in them in the first days of life. The severity of symptoms and the course of the disease in them depends on the timing of infection.

The most severe consequences of infection of the fetus are in the early and middle stages of pregnancy: in this case, the child may develop hydro- and microcephaly, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, and damage to the lungs and eyes.

If a child becomes infected immediately during childbirth or shortly after, he may develop one of three forms of neonatal herpes:

A localized form, characteristic of approximately 20-40% of newborns with neonatal herpetic infection. It usually affects the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth. There are usually no generalized symptoms, but single or grouped vesicular elements appear on the skin. Most often, the appearance of blisters occurs a week or two after birth. After another two weeks, with proper treatment, they heal completely, leaving no traces behind;
A generalized form in which a full range of symptoms is observed: initial fever, lethargy, regurgitation, shortness of breath and apnea, cyanosis and symptoms of pneumonia. Very often the adrenal glands and liver are involved in the pathological process. This form of herpes occurs in 20-50% of cases, while a fifth of infants experience generalized symptoms without subsequent skin rashes;
A damaging form characterized by damage to the nervous system. It is characterized by the development of encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, observed in 30% of cases, and with antenatal infection of the fetus, the development of microcephaly, hydrocephalus, as well as the appearance of intracranial calcifications is possible. The manifestation of infection is generalized and is characterized by trembling, convulsions, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, decreased child appetite, and cytosis.

As a rule, the incubation period for infection during childbirth lasts from two to thirty days, and it is after its end that symptoms of the disease appear.

Ways of infecting children with herpes infection

In most cases, a child becomes infected with herpes through interaction with peers or adults who are carriers of the virus.

In many cases, infection occurs from the mother during a relapse of herpes. This is especially true for infants: during this period it is extremely difficult to comply with all precautions to protect the child from infection. In addition, it is at this stage that the mother herself often limits her diet, which leads to hypovitaminosis, decreased immunity and relapse of the disease.

In any case, every carrier of the virus, even in the latent phase, can be a source of infection. Therefore, direct contact of a child with a person who has ever had herpes is a risky situation.

In addition to direct contact, infection can also occur in the following ways:

through everyday life - through shared dishes, food or clothing;
by airborne droplets when there is a person nearby with a recurrent cold on the lips;
from the mother during childbirth or pregnancy.

The latter method of transmission of the virus is most relevant if the mother becomes infected with herpes for the first time during pregnancy. Here the risk of infection of the fetus is quite high, and such infection is fraught with miscarriage.

According to statistics, out of 100 thousand newborns whose mothers do not have immunity to the herpes simplex virus and were infected for the first time during pregnancy, 54% of babies are born with congenital herpetic disease. If the mother has immunity to one of the two types of herpes viruses, then this value decreases to 22-26% of babies per 100 thousand newborns.

A recurrence of herpes in a mother while carrying a child can also lead to infection, but in this case serious consequences are less likely to occur, since the fetus is protected by maternal immunity.

Innate immunity of a child to herpes

If before pregnancy the mother managed to become infected with the herpes simplex virus, then with a high probability nothing threatens her child until the age of six months. In a mother with normal immunity, after the first encounter with the virus (even if it passed in her childhood), the immune system produces specific antibodies, which, when encountering the virus again, quickly and reliably destroy it.

These antibodies are called immunoglobulins, usually designated Ig. Ig classes M and G are produced against herpes viruses. They are what are looked for in the blood during diagnosis.

Of all the immunoglobulins, only IgG successfully penetrates the transplacental barrier due to its small size. They create immunity in the fetus against herpes, with which even a newborn baby will be invulnerable to the virus.

However, the lifespan of these antibodies is only a few months, and after about six months they no longer remain in the child’s body. Then he becomes susceptible to herpes infection. This is evidenced by statistics: the peak of primary infection in children occurs in the 8-13th month of life.

It is also important that antibodies are transferred to the child along with colostrum and mother’s milk. Therefore, the longer the mother feeds her baby with breast milk, the longer she will be protected from herpes infection.

Accordingly, if during pregnancy a mother becomes infected with herpes for the first time, the virus affects both her tissues, without, however, causing her too much trouble, and the tissues and organ systems of the fetus, which is often the cause of many complications and disorders in its development.

Complications of herpes

In general, it is not herpes itself that is dangerous for children, but its complications. They can lead to serious dysfunction of individual organs, and sometimes even to disability and death.

Among the most common and dangerous complications are the following:

Encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, developing in both newborns and older children. Without treatment, such forms are lethal in 90% of cases, and with normal treatment - in 50%;
Cerebral palsy, which develops as a response to a severe form of infection in newborns in the absence of treatment;
Eye diseases: keratoconjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, corneal erosion, episcleritis, chorioretinitis, uveitis;
DIC syndrome;
Stomatitis and gingivitis;
Liver damage, sometimes even hepatitis;
Herpangina and inflammation of the tonsils.

In general, severe forms of the disease are characterized by damage to the nervous system, so the most dangerous are encephalitis, epilepsy and the development of cerebral palsy. It is important that generalized forms of herpes in the early stages are often confused with other infections, which leads to a delay in treatment and missed time to fight the disease. That is why timely diagnosis is important.

Diagnostic methods

Speaking about the diagnosis of neonatal herpes, it is necessary first of all to talk about systematic and continuous monitoring of the mother’s condition during pregnancy.

Registration at this stage of a recurrence of the disease or primary infection will allow in the future, if the child develops corresponding complications, to quickly determine their correct cause.

An important method for diagnosing herpes is to examine the child to identify characteristic rashes. In addition, a child’s crying and refusal to eat may be the result of damage to the gums and mucous surfaces of the mouth.

Quite clear signs of herpes are also convulsions of unknown origin or sepsis that does not go away with the targeted fight against bacterial infections.

In addition to symptomatic diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct instrumental and laboratory studies:

“gold standard”, based on cultivating the virus from various fluids and mucous substances of the body and characterized by high sensitivity and specificity;
electron microscopy;
immunofluorescence method and direct detection of virus in vesicular fluid;
polymerase chain reaction;
study of pathologies of the placenta, the condition of the heart, liver, brain tomography.

In most cases, when blistering rashes appear, further diagnosis of herpes is no longer required, and it is necessary to begin treatment of the disease as soon as possible.

Therapy: medications, folk remedies and treatment regimens

When treating herpes in children, it is important to understand that even a localized form of the disease without proper control threatens to develop into a generalized infection.

If any external symptoms of a herpes infection appear in newborns or older children, antiviral therapy, for example, with Acyclovir, is necessary. It is administered intravenously into the body in an amount of 45 mg per kilogram of the child’s body weight per day. If the infection is generalized or there are symptoms of meningoencephalitis, the dose is increased to 60 mg/kg per day.

Treatment periods for localized and generalized forms are 14 and 21 days, respectively.

It must be remembered that enteral administration of Acyclovir is often ineffective.

The areas of rashes on the child’s skin themselves should be treated with Acyclovir or Zovirax ointments 3-4 times a day.

If a child has damage to the eyes and periocular membranes as a result of the disease, they are prescribed treatment with a 3% solution of Vidarabine, a 1% solution of Yodioxyuridine, or a 2% solution of Trifluridine.

The immunoglobulins Pentaglobin, Sandoglobin, Intraglobin, Cytotec, Octagam are very effective in combating herpetic infection. They are direct destroyers of the virus in the body and therefore are widely used in the treatment of generalized infections. Interferons are often used - Viferon 150,000 IU 1 time per day rectally for 5 days - and antibiotics to suppress activating microflora.

At the same time, the child should be treated for maintaining the vital functions of his body.

Among the folk remedies for the treatment of herpes, decoctions and infusions of St. John's wort and licorice are used. They promote rapid healing of ulcers at the site of the rash.

There is no need to be afraid of the penetration of the herpes simplex virus into the mother’s milk if her disease relapses. Even with the treatment of the child, it is necessary to continue breastfeeding. Exceptional cases from this rule are situations when, during a relapse of the disease in the mother, the rash is on the chest.

Prevention of childhood herpes

Prevention of herpes in children varies, depending on the form of the disease.

Prevention of neonatal herpes consists of timely detection of infection in the mother, monitoring her health and monitoring the condition of the birth canal, vulva and perineum.

If the manifestation of a herpetic infection in the mother occurred before the 36th week of pregnancy, it is necessary to carry out antiviral therapy for the mother with Acyclovir before the birth of the child. This will ensure the possibility of a natural birth.

If the first episode of the disease occurred in the mother after 36 weeks, a cesarean section is necessary to prevent the child from being affected by the herpes virus.

In the future, the main principle of preventing childhood herpes will be regular and possibly longer breastfeeding. It is important to protect the baby from contact with people with obvious symptoms of a cold on the lips, and if the mother has them, avoid kissing the baby. If contact with the baby is necessary, a mother with recurrent herpes should wear a cotton-gauze bandage and wash her hands thoroughly.

If the child has already suffered from a cold on the lips, the best prevention of a re-exacerbation of the disease would be a correct, plentiful and vitamin-filled diet, an active lifestyle and frequent exposure to fresh air. And if your baby develops any disease, it is necessary to cure it as quickly as possible, since even simple sore throats greatly undermine the immune system.

And remember: the healthier a child leads, the more reliably he is protected from herpes. Therefore, sports, hardening and fresh air will always be his most reliable protectors from this common disease.

Health to you and your baby!

Herpes is a dangerous viral disease. If left untreated, it affects the nervous system and internal organs. Most often, the herpes virus is found in the blood of children over two years of age. Timely diagnosis and the correct approach to therapy will help prevent the development of complications.

Features of the disease in childhood

The herpes virus is considered one of the most common problems faced by parents of babies. The younger the child is, the more harm the infection can cause to his body. Only after reaching 5 years of age do the human body begin to produce antibodies that resist the harmful effects of the virus.

The infection is localized in the nerve ganglia. Because of this, it is difficult to treat. Strong antiviral drugs are unable to reach viruses. They fight only those that come to the surface and cause unpleasant symptoms.

Herpes in a child leads to a weakening of the body's protective functions. Because of this, infection contributes to the development of complications. With proper therapy, the process can be restrained and the pathogen transferred into a latent state. The virus lives in the human body for years without manifesting itself. It is impossible to completely cope with the disease.

This problem is rare in newborns. With mother's milk, the baby also receives antibodies that resist the disease. After a year of life, the body is most susceptible to infection. Therefore, during this period, parents need to monitor compliance with preventive measures. If an adult is a carrier of the virus, then when communicating with a child he should wear a gauze bandage, not kiss the baby, wash his hands as often as possible and monitor hygiene.

Types of disease

Today, scientists know for certain about the existence of 80 types of herpes. Eight of them pose a particular danger to humans. Depending on the characteristics of the pathogen, the following types of disease are distinguished:

Herpes type 1 or simple. Rashes often appear on the lips, nose, oral mucosa, and fingers. The incubation period varies from three days to several weeks.
Herpes type 2 or HSV The disease affects the genitals. This form of infection rarely appears in a child. Infection occurs during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. In boys, characteristic rashes appear on the glans penis, and in girls, on the mucous surface of the labia.
Herpes type 3. This infection in children is caused by the herpes virus varicella zoster. The disease is often called chickenpox. If the child is vaccinated, the disease is mild. In some cases, infection ends in shingles.
Herpes type 4. After the Epstein-Barr virus enters the child's body, mononucleosis develops. In this case, serious damage to the lymphatic system is observed. The body's immune system is severely affected. An accurate diagnosis in such a situation can only be made after laboratory diagnostics. Epstein-Barr virus is detected in 50% of cases. If its concentration in the blood is not high, then symptoms do not appear.
Herpes type 5. This type of infection is more common in children under 2 years of age. The disease develops against the background of cytomegalovirus entering the body. The incubation period is one to two months. At first, there are no symptoms at all. In this case, the child becomes a carrier of infection. He is dangerous to others. Because of this, outbreaks of infection often occur in kindergartens, where children are in close contact with each other.
Herpes type 6 in children. Causes rosella or exanthema. This problem is sometimes called pseudorubella. It is accompanied by the appearance of small pink bubbles on the skin. If you press lightly on them, they become pale. At the beginning, the symptoms of the problem mislead doctors, as they strongly resemble ARVI. Only after the appearance of rashes can a more accurate diagnosis be made. The infection does not pose a danger to the child and is easily tolerated.
Herpes types 7 and 8. These infections have only recently been identified. They have not yet been studied enough, but it has already been proven that these types of viruses lead to the development of symptoms of chronic fatigue, depression, and in severe cases, cancer.

The most common viruses are types 1 and 2. The doctor can accurately determine the treatment program only after conducting diagnostic measures. Sometimes experts recommend not treating the virus at all; it goes into a latent form on its own.

Main routes of infection

The main reason is that the virus enters the body. Experts identify several routes of infection:

In direct contact with a sick person. The herpes simplex virus HSV1 is most often transmitted this way. It hides in the body for a long time. Under certain circumstances, it becomes activated and characteristic symptoms appear.
During contact with infected household items. The virus is quite tenacious and remains viable outside the human body for a long time. Therefore, it is extremely important that the child does not use other people’s hygiene items, towels, bed linen, toys, and so on.
Herpes in children can appear after a low-quality blood transfusion or complex medical procedures.
Some types of herpes are transmitted to the baby during fetal development from an infected mother. The virus penetrates the placental barrier.
The herpes virus can also appear in a child during childbirth. It is transmitted from a sick mother during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

Before starting to treat the disease, it is necessary to determine the cause and eliminate it. Otherwise, re-infection will occur, and the concentration of viruses in the baby’s blood will increase.

The disease is especially dangerous during pregnancy, as it can cause complications during childbirth and even miscarriage. Therefore, expectant mothers need to carefully monitor their health.

What factors provoke the re-development of the disease?

Herpes in children can remain latent for a long time. Factors that provoke active reproduction of viruses and the appearance of characteristic symptoms include:

Cold. The immune system, which is not yet fully formed, devotes all its efforts to restoring health, which allows the herpervirus to go on the offensive.
Poor nutrition. If there are not enough vegetables, berries and fruits in the baby’s diet, there is a vitamin deficiency. As a result, the body's protective functions are weakened.
Overheat. This often happens when traveling to hot countries or when spending a long time on the beach.
Exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Recurrence of viral herpes in children is possible at any age. Strict adherence to all prevention rules will help to avoid this.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of disease, herpes manifests itself differently. The only similar sign is the characteristic rash. They have different textures, localization and shade.

Signs of the first type of disease

Herpes type 1 is characterized by the appearance of small blisters. They are concentrated in groups and localized in the lip area. The following signs of a problem are noted:

Severe itching and burning appears in the affected area.
The lips become unnaturally red and swollen.
Temperature increases with herpes are rare. In some cases it stops at 38 degrees.
Lymph nodes increase in size.
The child feels tired, is often capricious, and constantly wants to sleep.

The bubbles burst a couple of days after they appear. The liquid that is in them flows out. At this moment, the child is dangerous to others. Therefore, during treatment he should not be taken to school, kindergarten or other crowded places.

Symptoms of the second type of disease

Infection with herpervirus type 2 occurs during the fetal development of the baby or its passage through the birth canal. In some cases, the infection is transmitted through household contact. The following symptoms appear:

Rash localized in the genital area.
Slight increase in body temperature.
The genitals swell and their color changes.

The average duration of illness is ten days. In especially severe cases, it can last up to a month.

Manifestations of type 3 infection

The incubation period of the disease (“chickenpox”) is about three weeks. After this, the following symptoms appear:

Severe headaches.
A rash appears on the face and body.
The blisters that form are very itchy and cause severe discomfort to the baby.

In this case, the baby becomes a carrier of infection, so he must be isolated from everyone who has not had chickenpox. On average, therapy will take about two weeks.

Signs of the fourth type of herpes

Such herpes in a child often manifests itself as mononucleosis. This problem is not dangerous, but its treatment will require a lot of time. It is characterized by the following manifestations:

Lethargy, fatigue, weakness.
The appearance of a strong dry cough.
Pain in muscles and joints.
Increased size of lymph nodes.
Pain in the larynx when swallowing.
The liver and spleen may become enlarged.

With this disease, the child’s immunity suffers greatly. He is not able to resist negative factors, so the development of concomitant diseases is possible.

How does the fifth type of virus manifest itself?

Also called cytomegalovirus infection. This problem may manifest itself with the following symptoms:

Lethargy.
Increased body temperature.
Decreased appetite.

The appearance of symptoms of herpes in children resembles the course of rubella. The duration of the illness is no more than one and a half months.

Signs of a type six problem

They appear more often in children aged one to two years. Among the main symptoms are:

Increase in body temperature to 40 degrees.
Rash on the body.
Depression and weakness.

The rashes do not itch or cause pain. With proper therapy, symptoms disappear within a week.

Diagnostic measures

The causes of herpes in children can be different. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment method. Therefore, if unpleasant symptoms appear, it is necessary to show the child to a doctor. The following diagnostic measures are used:

Visual inspection. The doctor evaluates the localization of the rashes that appear, the number and structure of the bubbles.
Blood is drawn for subsequent biochemical analysis.
A scraping is taken from the rash. A virological culture is performed to help identify the type of virus.
If brain damage is suspected, an MRI is performed.

Based on the results of all tests, the specialist makes a final diagnosis. After this, he develops a treatment strategy, which must be strictly adhered to.

Treatment and prevention

If the symptoms are correctly identified and the treatment is chosen correctly, the disease can quickly be transferred to a latent form. It is impossible to completely defeat the virus. The following methods are used to treat the disease:

Use of medications. In case of a complex course of the disease, therapy should be comprehensive. Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Suprastin), antivirals (Acyclovir, Virolex, Zovirax), immunostimulants (Immunal, Arpetol) are prescribed. Skin rashes should be treated with specialized ointments. If the disease occurs with a significant increase in temperature, then taking antipyretic drugs (Nurofen, Parcetomol) is indicated.
Increased protective functions of the body. To do this, the specialist prescribes vitamin and mineral complexes. Vitamins C and group B bring the greatest benefit in this situation.
Adjusting your diet. The virus is sensitive to arginine, so all foods containing this substance should be excluded from the diet. Limit your children's intake of chocolate, nuts, grains and legumes. At the same time, the menu should contain more products with a high concentration of lysine. Give your child shrimp, fish, milk, and natural yogurt. To strengthen the immune system, the child should eat onions, ginger and garlic. Fruit juices, berry fruit drinks and compotes will bring benefits.
Application of traditional methods. Together with the main course of treatment, you can also use products based on natural ingredients. This can only be done after consulting a doctor. Rubbing the affected areas of the body with lemon juice or alcohol tincture of propolis will be useful. You can apply plantain leaves to the rash.

The disease can be cured only if you adhere to bed rest. The room where the baby lies should be clean and bright. The room is ventilated twice a day.

A child's weakened immune system facilitates infection with other infections. Complete isolation of the baby during therapy will help prevent this. Don't let him go outside and don't let him walk around the apartment a lot.

Preventive actions

To prevent the onset of the disease, it is necessary to closely monitor the baby’s health. Prevention of herpes in children should include the following measures:

Protect your child from contact with infected people.
Provide proper balanced nutrition rich in vitamins and microelements.
Ensure that all rules of personal hygiene are observed.
The child should not experience psychological or emotional overload.
Walking in the fresh air and playing sports will help strengthen the immune system.
Take your child to the doctors several times a year. Only problems identified in time can be successfully treated.

Herpes in a baby may not appear immediately. This disease has serious health consequences. Therefore, parents need to make every effort to prevent the problem.

Herpes is a viral infection that manifests itself in the form of blistering rashes on the skin or mucous membranes. Medical statistics claim that more than 80 percent of the inhabitants of our planet have antibodies to this virus in their blood. Consequently, they either had herpes or are carriers of this virus. This viral disease occurs in people of different age groups, but children are most susceptible to it. The virus, once entering the child’s body, remains in a latent state for the rest of his life. It may not show itself at all for a long time, but as soon as the child becomes overtired, gets too cold, or lies in the sun for too long, the virus awakens. The main reason for the awakening of the virus is considered to be weakened immunity. And some more statistics: Every year more than ten million Russians suffer from the so-called “cold on the lips.” This is what people call herpes simplex HSV-1. According to medical statistics, only five percent of the world's population is immune to this virus.

How can a child become infected with the herpes virus, or where does herpes come from in young children?

Herpes infection occurs through contact with carriers. The source of infection can be a carrier in the latent (hidden) phase.

How can an infant become infected with herpes?

Often the virus enters the body of an infant from the mother.. Primary infection of a pregnant woman with herpes is especially dangerous. A woman infected during pregnancy puts her unborn child at serious risk. According to statistics, more than 50% of newborns from such mothers are born with herpes. Unfortunately, in this case the possibility of miscarriage cannot be ruled out.

Mothers who already have immunity to this virus protect their children with antibodies - immunoglobulins. Accordingly, a newborn baby becomes invulnerable to the virus. However, maternal immunity protects the child for only a few months. It should be noted that the child receives antibodies along with maternal colostrum and milk. Therefore, the longer a child is fed breast milk, the longer he is not susceptible to infection with herpes. A baby can become infected not only through direct contact with a carrier of the virus, but also through household means. For example, using shared utensils, clothes, finishing someone else’s food, etc.

No less often, the virus enters the baby’s body through airborne droplets. For example, if a patient with herpes on the lips sneezes or coughs in close proximity to a child. Some medically ignorant relatives and friends, despite the presence of herpes on the lips, begin to kiss the baby, thereby infecting it.

Let's look at all types of herpes that occur in children

Herpetic infection is a serious disease that is quite severe in children. This virus can cause serious complications including encephalopathy and meningitis. At the moment, more than two hundred varieties of herpes viruses have been registered. However, 8 types are considered the most common. We will focus on them.

Herpes type 1 localized around the lips. It is popularly called a “cold.” It is transmitted by airborne droplets, household, and oral routes. During pregnancy, the fetus becomes infected with the virus directly through the placenta.
Strain of the second type localized on the child's genitals, infection occurs during childbirth.
Strain of the third type causes diseases such as herpes zoster.
Type four - Epstein-Barr virus . This virus is very dangerous; it can provoke the occurrence of tumor processes.
TO the fifth type ists itomegalovirus infection . This infection can cause mental retardation in children.
Sixth type causes roseola in children - a sudden exanthema. Infantile roseola begins quite violently. The child has a fever for three to five days, then a roseola rash appears on his body. Roseola is considered a harmless disease, but is highly contagious. This disease poses a serious threat to patients with a weakened immune system (cancer patients, HIV-infected patients, patients after a bone marrow transplant).
The seventh strain of herpes often coexists with the sixth in the child’s body. However, children can become infected with this strain only after one year. The study of the seventh type of herpetic infection continues. Not too much is known about him. The strain is localized in saliva and found in peripheral blood. Once it enters a child’s body, it remains there for the rest of its life. Can occupy an inactive position for a long time. The reasons for its activation may be: poor environment, decreased immunity, hypothermia, unhealthy lifestyle, unhealthy diet, etc.
The eighth type of herpes may cause Kaposi's sarcoma, a dangerous disease characterized by multiple malignant neoplasms of the skin.

In children, herpes of the first, second and third types is most common.

Herpes in a child - what does the location of herpes in children indicate?

Herpes, according to medical statistics, ranks second among viral diseases. The first place is still held by the influenza virus.

Herpes in children: what does the location on the body indicate?

Location of the rash on the body	Additional symptoms, how the disease progresses, how to treat it
If your child has herpes on the lips	At the initial stage of the disease, the baby complains of itching, tingling and burning in the lips. Specific rashes on the lips appear a little later, and they look like small bubbles filled with a cloudy liquid. After some time, the bubbles burst on their own and dry out, forming crusts. The crusts gradually fall off. Sometimes, along with rashes on the lips, the child’s cervical and mandibular lymph nodes become inflamed. At the first complaint of the baby about itching and burning, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment. Namely: even before the rash appears, lotions with 70% ethyl or camphor alcohol must be applied to the affected area. If herpes has spread to the mucous membranes, it is necessary to rinse your mouth with antiseptics as often as possible. For example: a solution of furatsilin or calendula. Pediatricians, as a rule, prescribe antiviral ointments: Zovirax, Interferon, Viferon, Ridoxol. Tea tree oil also helps a lot.
If a child has herpes in the mouth, throat	The patient complains of pain in the tonsils. As a rule, parents immediately begin to treat their child for a sore throat or acute respiratory infection. Incorrect treatment can harm the baby. Therefore, in this case, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary. A doctor who has diagnosed “herpes stomatitis” will most likely prescribe Acyclovir ointment, which is quite effective for this disease. After the acute phase, the ulcers are treated with antiseptic agents. As a rule, pediatricians recommend using a solution of brilliant green or Stomatidine. For the treatment of herpes, the following are widely used: Panadol or Nurofen, a course of Viferon and vitamin therapy.
If a child has herpes on the body and face	When examining a child, red rashes are visible, which may be a symptom of chickenpox or infantile roseola. With chickenpox, the rashes are single and scattered throughout the body. With roseola, large areas of skin are covered in a rash. As a rule, roseola affects newborns and children under two years of age. If, in addition to rashes, the child has enlarged lymph nodes, it is imperative to undergo examination for cytomegalovirus and monoculosis. To make a correct diagnosis, you must contact a medical facility. Herpes on the body and face cannot be treated on your own! For each type of virus, specific treatment is prescribed. For chickenpox, antiviral drugs are prescribed, and, if necessary, immunoglobulins. The resulting ulcers are treated with brilliant green, sea buckthorn oil, and Panavir-gel.
If your child has herpes in the nose	Antiviral ointments based on acyclovir are widely used for treatment. These ointments effectively eliminate external manifestations and prevent further spread of the virus. During the course of treatment with immunostimulants, Acigerpin cream is used. Also, preparations based on sea buckthorn are used to treat herpes of the first and second types. Very often, doctors prescribe the antiviral drugs Bonafton and Erazaban to children.

How does herpes manifest in infants?

Herpes in infants can be recognized not only by an infectious disease doctor, but also by an attentive mother. Some symptoms are visible to the naked eye. These are: specific rashes on the lip or skin, changes in the behavior of the baby, and possibly an increase in temperature. Externally, the rash resembles bubbles filled with first light and then cloudy liquid. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to undergo an examination. Treatment must be carried out in full in order to reduce the risk of dangerous secondary forms of herpes. The treatment regimen for herpes in infants is developed by an infectious disease specialist on an individual basis.

Effective treatment of herpes in children: pharmacy and folk remedies, doctor’s prescriptions and specialist recommendations.

The drug No. 1 in the treatment of herpes is rightfully considered Acyclovir. Its derivatives Gerpevir, Zovirax . These drugs can be purchased at pharmacies in the form of ointments, gels, and creams. Sometimes (in especially severe cases), doctors may prescribe Acyclovir intravenously for children. In the treatment of herpes, drugs such as - Cycloferon and Neovir , as well as the usual Interferon. Some infectious disease specialists recommend taking fish oil for preventive purposes.

Treatment for this viral infection is quite lengthy and expensive. It involves taking medications according to an individual regimen. You can achieve stable remission by strictly following all the doctor’s recommendations. People also have a number of recipes for fighting herpes. We will present only those with which traditional medicine agrees.

Traditional medicine recipes to combat herpes

Fresh Kalanchoe or aloe juice perfectly relieves itching and burning.
A compress made from calendula tincture will speed up the healing process.
Herpes will go away faster if you use a special decoction of lemon balm - one tablespoon of lemon balm per glass of water.

Many pediatricians believe that treatment of infants should be primarily aimed at. Treatment with medications should only be started in particularly severe cases.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cure herpes either in a hospital or at home. But it is possible and necessary to get rid of its symptoms and alleviate the child’s condition. Therefore, if you notice the appearance of watery blisters on the lips and body of a child, you should not “brush off” the problem. Your child needs medical supervision.