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. The type I virus appears in the mouth or on the lips and is not usually transmitted sexually. When first infected, it usually causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth sores in young children. In older children and adults, similar sores appear around the lips. They are also caused by the herpesvirus type I. In some children, herpes occurs during severe stress, fatigue, or against the background of 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 have completely disappeared. An ointment for external use (for example, Acyclovir) helps with their elimination, but does not cure the infection.

Herpevirus type II usually appears on and around the genitals and is almost always sexually transmitted. First, small blisters form, which then burst, leaving behind painful sores. It is genital herpes that is given close attention in many publications. The biggest danger for the baby is that he can get genital herpes from the mother during childbirth. In this case, immediate treatment is required to prevent infection from entering the brain.

Washing 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 coming into contact with the affected body parts, 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 he who is the culprit of the disease) is transmitted with saliva.

The infection usually affects the entire oral cavity. Then the virus mutates and goes into a state of "hibernation", "waking up" 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 ​​the skin, the child may experience a burning sensation or characteristic tingling.

To combat the herpes virus, modern highly effective antiviral drugs are used. These drugs have been successfully used to treat viral diseases in children with weakened immune systems. However, one important circumstance should be taken into account: all the mentioned drugs only alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but do not destroy the virus, which means that the possibility of a relapse of the disease is not excluded. As a rule, the child does not need to take a course of 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 the child not to try to pick off 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, he does not need to miss classes.

Herpes is an acute viral disease of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes virus. There are two 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. In this chapter we will deal mainly with herpes simplex, the culprit of the "fever" or "cold" on the lips, which often occurs in children.

What you need to know about the herpes virus

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

Symptoms and signs of herpes simplex in children

Probably, everyone saw herpes on the lip. It is not difficult to distinguish it. A person who has frequent herpes is well acquainted with the unpleasant sensation that precedes its appearance. It can be itching, burning, tingling, mild soreness in the place where the "fever" is about to jump up. After a few hours, redness will appear there, and then a group of small bubbles. The contents of the bubbles are initially transparent, but after 2-3 days it becomes cloudy. Herpetic vesicles last from several hours to several days. On the lips, they pass quickly, in 1-2 days, and on the skin they can exist for a week. As a result, the inflammation ends with the appearance of a crust. The crust eventually disappears and a pinkish or brownish spot remains in its place for some time.

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

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

Aphthous stomatitis.

Herpes of the newborn. 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 in the active state 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 proceeds with high fever, profuse rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, intestines, eyes. With herpes in newborns, the liver, adrenal glands, bronchi and central nervous system can be affected. 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 to cure it.

Treatment of herpes in children

Treatment in the acute phase

• At the beginning, while herpetic vesicles have not yet appeared, apply lotions with 70% ethyl or camphor alcohol. You can use the temperature effect. These funds in some cases allow you to interrupt the further development of the rash.
• For rashes in the mouth, rinsing with solutions of furacilin, rivaiol, tincture of calendula or rotokan (1 tsp per 1 glass of water) is recommended. Attention! The use of corticosteroid ointments (flucinar, celestoderm, hydrocortisone, elocom, advantan, etc.) is contraindicated. They only increase the duration of the rash, and in some cases lead to the formation of ulcers at the site of the opened vesicles or contribute to suppuration.
• Antiherpetic drugs can reduce the duration of rashes by about 2 times. Available in the form of ointments, as well as in tablets. It is possible to smear the affected area with antiherpetic ointment from the first signs of the appearance of herpes. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it is. Inside the drugs are prescribed by a doctor.

Oksolin, ointment 1%. Lubricate lesions on the skin 3-4 times a day.

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

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

Acyclovir (virolex, zovirax, cyclovir), ointments and creams. Apply to the lesion 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%. Lubricate the lesions with a thin layer 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 lesions 3 times a day. For the skin use 1% ointment, for mucous membranes - 0.5% ointment.

Viru-Merz Serol. Apply to the lesion 3-5 times a day, gently rubbing.

Riodoxol, ointment 0.25%; 0.5% and 1%. Lubricate the lesions with a thin layer 1-3 times a day for 1-4 weeks.

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

• To increase the body's resistance, large doses of ascorbic acid, drugs that increase immunity are shown (for details, see "Frequently ill children"). The doctor prescribes.
• Physiotherapy: UHF, UVI, interferon ointment phonophoresis. Assigned by a physiotherapist.
• Additional methods:

Use undiluted tea tree oil to treat blisters 2-3 times a day.

BAA "Citrosept". Contains natural natural vitamin C and bioflavonoids in a concentrated form. Application external and internal.

BAA "Lacrinat". Contains licorice root powder. Antiviral, anti-herpetic agent.

To prevent relapse

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

To prevent relapse, the following methods are used:

Immunity boost. For this, various drugs are used.

Preparations: decaris, methyluracil, pentoxyl, vitamin A, lysozyme, glycyram, zinc preparations, etc. Details on improving immunity can be found in the chapter “Frequently ill children”. The dose and course of treatment is prescribed by the doctor.

Antiviral drugs (acyclovir, etc.) inside. The doctor prescribes.

Graft. A vaccine against herpes has been developed. True, it appeared relatively recently and the experience of its application is still small. There is evidence that the use of an 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 administered in cycles of 5 injections every 4 days. The course of treatment consists of 6-8 cycles. The main contraindications to treatment with an antiherpetic vaccine are diseases of the liver, kidneys, malignant neoplasms, pregnancy, intolerance to tetracycline antibiotics.

Gamma globulin. Your child's doctor may give your child gamma globulin injections in short courses. Gamma globulin is a protein that is obtained from the blood of humans or animals, containing antibacterial and antiviral antibodies (including those against the herpes virus). It is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

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

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

To prevent recurrence of herpes, the following drugs of 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 the recovery time is shortened by 3-4 times.
• Viferon, leukinferon, reaferon, feron, etc.
• Interferon inductors: poludan, prodigiosan, pyrogenal, megosin. These drugs are recommended for all forms of herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The appointment and choice of the drug, as well as the dose and course, are the priority of the doctor.
• Prevention of recurrence of herpes
• Avoid hypothermia, mental and physical overstrain.
• Food rich in proteins and vitamins
• Physical education and hardening.

herpetic infection

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

How to treat herpes in children? The herpetic virus cannot be cured forever if it has already entered the body. It can only be calmed, 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 the 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.

The reasons

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.
• SARS 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 the 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 difficult the herpes infection is tolerated.

How does infection occur

The herpetic virus is highly contagious, that is, contagious. The main routes of transmission are airborne and contact. The most contagious person is considered during the rash. Where and how is it most likely to 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 get infected through shared towels, dishes, unwashed hands. If an infection has occurred, this does not mean that the child will immediately have a fever on the lip. The virus can be activated only under favorable conditions - a weakened immune system.

Types of herpes

There are about 80 (according to some sources, about 100) herpes viruses. In medical science, 8 types of herpes are described, which can cause various types of herpes infection. They may differ in symptoms, duration, severity of the disease.

• Herpes type 1. Herpes simplex virus, in which rashes appear on the lips (fever), on the wings of the nose, around the mouth, on the oral mucosa. One of the most common types.
• Herpes type 2. It affects the mucous membranes of the genitals. It is less common than herpes type 1. Sometimes type 1 and type 2 viruses appear at the same time. 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. Genital herpes in children causes severe itching. This type of virus is also capable of causing herpetic sore throats and stomatitis.
• Herpes type 3. The famous chickenpox caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of chickenpox in children in our other article. A variant of the lesion may be herpes zoster. It occurs more frequently in adults who are re-infected with Varicella Zoster.
• Herpes type 4 in children. The Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis. Severe disease with damage to the lymphoid system. With infectious mononucleosis, the following symptoms are observed: fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, swelling of the adenoids, enlargement of the spleen and liver. The disease is dangerous complications, leads to a weakening of the immune system. The final diagnosis is established only after a blood test and the detection of atypical mononuclear cells.
• Herpes type 5. Causes cytomegalovirus infection. This type of herpes in a child first occurs at the age of 2, when a visit to the nursery group of the kindergarten begins. Intrauterine infection with cytomegalovirus occurs less frequently, which entails serious consequences and developmental disorders. Cytomegalovirus infection may not manifest itself for a long time. The child may be a carrier of the virus. With the activation of cytomegalovirus, symptoms similar to infectious mononucleosis occur. However, lymph nodes and tonsils are not affected. It is treated in the same way as other types of herpes virus - anti-herpetic drugs. Extremely dangerous for pregnant women.
• Herpes type 6. Herpes simplex virus type 6 in children causes roseola, or sudden exanthema. This disease is also called pseudorubella. A characteristic symptom is pink small papules on the skin, which 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: it seems that there was an acute onset, fever, but no catarrhal signs followed. First, a diagnosis of acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections is made, and only after the appearance of a rash do suspicions arise: is it rubella or roseola? Often a rash with a sudden exanthema is confused with allergic rashes.
• Herpes 7 and 8 types. Viruses of a new generation, recently discovered. There is an assumption that they cause chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and cancer.

If antibodies to any of the types of the virus are found in the blood test, this indicates that the pathogen has already entered the body at some time, and the immune system has successfully dealt with it. If there are antibodies, but there are no rashes on the skin or mucous membranes, the disease does not need to be treated.

Most common rashes

Herpes treatment

Treatment of herpes infection in children is carried out at the initial stage of the disease. If 3 days have passed since the appearance of the bubbles, it makes no sense to use special preparations. Usually, treatment is prescribed if the virus recurs often, the rashes last a long time, spread to other parts of the body.

• Antiherpetic agents. They come in the form of ointments, creams, gels, tablets and injections. The most effective in chronic forms of herpes is considered 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 big event in medicine. To date, this is the most effective cure for the herpes virus. The most famous drugs: Acyclovir, Gerpevir, Famacyclovir, Virolex, Tebrofen, Vidarabine, Riodoxol, Zovirax. For the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection, Phosphonoformat, Ganciclovir are used.
• The use of antiviral, immunostimulating agents. Quickly stop the action of the virus, do not allow to affect other areas of the skin. The doctor may prescribe: "Arpetol", "Immunal", "Groprinosin". The insidiousness of the herpes virus is that when it is active, interferon is not produced in the body, as is the case with other viruses. Therefore, the doctor prescribes the drug "Interferon" in injections. Also, drugs are used that stimulate the production of natural interferon: Neovir, Cycloferon.
• Vitamin therapy. The body needs help to cope with the virus, strengthen the immune system. For this, the doctor prescribes a complex of vitamins. Especially useful is vitamin C, a group of B vitamins, as well as calcium. Eleutherococcus tincture is shown, which increases the overall tone of the body, strengthens the immune system, improves the functioning of the nervous system, relieves physical, emotional and mental overwork.
• Antipyretics and bed rest. With infectious mononucleosis, roseola, chicken pox, the temperature rises. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the child and bring down the temperature above 38.5 ° C. You also need to give the child as much to drink as possible. The air in the room should be fresh, cool and humid.
• Antihistamines. They are prescribed for severe itching, extensive skin lesions. The most commonly used drugs are: "Erius", "Fenistil", "Claritin", "Gismanal", "Ketitofen", "Terfen", "Tsetrin".

The essence of the treatment of herpes in children is to suppress the virus, reduce its activity. There is no cure for the herpes virus. The treatment of chickenpox, sudden exanthema, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus is handled by a pediatrician. If the rashes are too frequent, bring discomfort, severe itching, you need to seek advice from a pediatric immunologist. The doctor will prescribe special immunological studies.

Features of herpes infection in infants

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

If the house has a baby and adults who have a 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 utensils.

Herpes in a child often occurs on the lips, around the mouth, on the wings of the nose, 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 with such complications: herpetic eczema, encephalitis, mental disorders, inflammation of internal organs.

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When detecting herpes in children, only a doctor should prescribe treatment. Symptoms of herpes are small blisters, in children most often the disease occurs in the form of a cold on the lips, which should be treated as directed by a pediatrician or dermatologist. You can get this disease by airborne droplets after contact with a carrier or a sick person. The herpes virus can cause several different diseases by affecting various 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 a child from infection.

• Thanks to the immunity of the mother, which is transmitted in utero to the child, babies 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 membranes. It actively reproduces and is transmitted to others. After the treatment is over, there will be no signs of the disease on the body and mucous membranes. The virus will hide in the nerve ganglia.

• Once infected with such a virus, a child will remain susceptible to this disease.
• The dormant virus is not contagious.
• The disease manifests itself not only on the lips and around the mouth, but also on the cheeks, on the nose, in the 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

Ways to prevent type 1 viruses include:

• isolation of a sick child from peers, as soon as the manifestation of the disease began;
• elimination of the infectious focus;
• taking desensitizing drugs during the epidemic period;
• the use of antiviral ointments for laying in the nasal cavity at the time of epidemics;
• gymnastics, increased immunity, hardening procedures;
• intake of 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 intrauterine infection of the fetus and the possibility of infection during labor.

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

Diagnosis of the virus in a child

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

1. A blood test using ELISA or PCR for viral antigens, followed by genotype identification.
2. Analysis for changes in cell count and protein in the blood.
3. Taking a sample for the herpes virus manifestation, as well as smears from the mucous membranes.
4. During generalized infections, an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid is taken, as well as a scraping from the affected area.
5. Carrying out computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound to determine the degree of damage to internal organs.

If children of the third or fifth year of life have reduced immunity, or there is no treatment, then the virus can provoke serious complications:

• pharyngitis;
• stomatitis;
• damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

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

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

Often in older children there is ulceration of the intestine. Herpesvirus can cause disruption of the central nervous system, pneumonia of the newborn, kidney failure. If these diseases are not treated, then death is possible.

Types of childhood herpes

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

• virus of the first and second type, 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 introduced through unwashed hands, household items or products;
• herpes of the third type provokes chicken pox, in children who have been ill, it is sometimes replaced by 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 in adolescence is asymptomatic;

• 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 mistreated. Since self-treatment does not bring a positive result, parents turn to dermatologists who prescribe the necessary pills and ointment.

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

It is necessary to treat complications such as meningitis, encephalitis and other severe forms in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. For the treatment of stomatitis, ointment and tablets prescribed by a doctor are used.

The dosage of any medication 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.

In the treatment of diseases that have arisen due to the first type of virus, the following measures are used:

1. High-calorie diet, the use of dairy products, meat, seafood, vegetables, dried fruits.
2. Frequent drinking.
3. Antihistamine and desensitizing tablets - tavegil, diazolin.
4. Therapies aimed at restoring strength, stabilizing the condition.
5. Antiviral medicines based on interferon, as well as acyclovir ointment on infected areas on the body and inside in the form of a tablet.
6. Correction of immunity - immunal, thymolin, histaglobin.
7. Introduction of an antiherpetic vaccine.
8. 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.

For the treatment of an acquired or congenital disease that was caused by a type 2 virus, it is necessary:

• take acyclovir;

• use viferon and immunoglobulin;
• use zovirax, iodioxyuridine.

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

1. Children under one year old are allowed to make a lotion from celandine juice, which is applied for two to three minutes.
2. Daily lubrication of infected areas with raw quail egg protein.
3. Drinking tincture of lemon balm.
4. Applying a compress of grated potato tuber, apple or garlic.
5. Rubbing the infected area with aspen or onion juice.
6. Lubrication of abscesses with alcohol tincture of propolis, which is previously diluted with water.
7. Mixed vegetable and eucalyptus oils are rubbed into the skin.
8. The use of sea buckthorn oil.
9. The use of toothpaste at the initial stage of the development of the disease.

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

Diseases in a child up to a year are much more difficult than in adults. Moreover, babies are not recommended to drink pills and use strong drugs. Herpes in infants can provoke severe complications, which will have to be treated for the rest of your life.

Symptoms for a newborn and children up to a year old are traditional, it can manifest itself in the form of:

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

All rashes subsequently turn into sores and markets. In order for the child not to comb the blisters, doctors prescribe anti-allergic tablets or ointment, which can relieve itching and speed up healing. Usually, herpes on the lips in children heals a few days after the first manifestation. 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 it is completely healed. Parents should be in control of this process.

It is necessary to treat the disease immediately after the appearance of the first sign. Because children of the first and second years of life have weak immunity, recovery depends on timely treatment. A neglected infection will necessarily acquire a chronic or recurrent form, which threatens with further complications.

To eliminate herpetic infections, the specialist will prescribe antiviral tablets that are allowed for children of the 1st, 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 of burning and pain. It is worth making sure that the baby drinks as much fluids as possible and give antipyretic tablets if the temperature rises.

The main antiviral drug that is allowed for children is acyclovir. It is sold in pharmacies as an ointment, tablet, or intravenous injection. The introduction of tablets or injections depends on the severity of the disease and the form. The ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin up to five times a day. Any medicine and 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 a generalized name for a number of diseases that are caused by various types of the 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 the body of a child 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 sick with primary herpes. Moreover, from birth, small children, as a rule, receive immunity from their mother, and up to 3-4 years the probability of getting sick is very low.

Modern doctors distinguish 6 types of the virus that children can become infected with:

Ways of transmission of infection and symptoms of herpes

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

The most common ways of transmission of herpesvirus infection in children:

• contact with a carrier of the virus;
• while using dishes or any clothes of a sick person;
• during pregnancy and childbirth from mother to child;
• when breastfeeding, in case of recurrence 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;
• trauma;
• active sun (summer is the season of exacerbation of such diseases);
• fever, drying of the mucous membranes (for example, with dehydration or overheating of the child).

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

Varieties of herpes and their manifestations in children

Usually, 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 in 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 manifest itself 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;
• violations 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 manifest itself in the form of rashes: in girls - on the vaginal mucosa, in boys - on the penis. It is transmitted only sexually.

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 an examination and diagnosis. The main task at the same time is to observe personal hygiene and undergo a full course of treatment.

Herpes encephalitis in children and its complications

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

Herpes encephalitis in children begins to develop during the primary infection, penetrating immediately into the brain and causing severe disorders. 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 skin rashes are similar to ordinary herpes. But after 2-3 days, convulsions, loss of consciousness, vomiting (not associated with eating) 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, sometimes the child ends up in intensive care.

Treatment for this form of herpes in children is carried out using the complex therapy of Acyclovir and immunobiological preparations. In parallel, therapy is carried out to help reduce cerebral edema and detoxify the body.

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

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

labial herpes

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

Herpes on the face of a child can be on the cheeks, lips, eyebrows, chin, forehead, in the nose of a child, near the ears and eyes. The nature of the pain and the vesicles themselves are usually similar, the difference is in the size of the affected area of ​​the skin. Symptoms are also different for different children: toothache or high fever is possible.

Herpes on the nose of a child or near the 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 drugs, as with other forms of herpes.

In the case of the location of herpes in the nose (inside on the mucosa), the rash differs in appearance and resembles abscesses. All rashes should be lubricated with ointment. The child needs to be allocated separate towels and handkerchiefs, to limit his close contact with other people.

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Every time after blowing his nose, he should wash his hands with soap and water. 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 other people's things or objects, or because of touching first the sore spot, and then the leg.

If the rash is located on the feet or toes, then the varicella-zoster virus is the likely cause. To accurately determine the type of virus, you need to take the child to the doctor and get tested. This is important because the therapeutic methods for treating different types of virus are different.

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

Another unpleasant pattern is that this virus is able to spread throughout the body (which is why it is called shingles).

A sign of such a virus is also one-sided herpes on the cheek of a child, or on other parts of the body (also on one side). The rash usually tends to coalesce and form very painful patches. He responds very poorly to treatment.

Treatment of herpetic infection

Each parent should know exactly how and how to treat herpes in children in order to start treatment in a timely manner and exclude the possibility of serious consequences for the child's body. The treatment process should be started after the first suspicion of herpes - this will speed up the healing process.

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

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

Let's refute the delusion of some parents who ask whether it is possible to smear herpes with brilliant green or alcohol? In no case should this be done, 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 - this will not affect the virus in any way.

Prevention of herpes

Parents asking 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 observe the following rules:

• personal hygiene;
• prohibition of the use of other people's things;
• avoid contact 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 sign of the appearance of herpes, seek advice from a pediatrician as soon as possible and immediately begin treatment.

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

The body of a child is more often affected by pathogens of herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-I). Outwardly, a herpetic infection in children is manifested by the growth of vesicles with watery contents on the lips, nostrils, and in the oral cavity. Therapy is recommended to be carried out with immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs, folk remedies. It is important for parents and other adults to remember that viruses can easily spread between people, so it is advisable to limit the social circle of a sick child during the period of illness.

About 8 types of herpesviruses cause human disease, five of them are better studied, research is ongoing on the next three. Clinical manifestations of herpesvirus infection in children depend on the age of small patients, the immune status, the site of penetration of the pathogen and its typology. Primary infection is accompanied by more severe symptoms than relapses.

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

1. HSV-I, II - causative agents of herpes simplex.
2. Varicella zoster causes chickenpox, shingles (herpes zoster).
3. Epstein-Barr virus - the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis (rarely).
4. Cytomegalovirus - the cause of infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis (rarely).
5. Causative agents of sudden exanthema or "pseudo-rubella" (rare).

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

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

The following factors contribute to the activity of herpes infection in the body:

• hypothermia and overheating;
• hypo- and beriberi;
• poor digestion;
• weak immunity;
• frequent colds;
• stress.

After infection, a herpes infection in a child manifests itself or passes into a latent form and remains in sensory neurons. Relapses of the disease are associated with both adverse external and internal changes. Type 1 hepatitis virus reactivation may follow oral trauma, unsuccessful dental procedures.

Causes and danger of children with herpes simplex

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

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

Often, the primary infection with HSV-I is asymptomatic, but the virus "sleeps" in the child's nerve cells - it is in a latent form (latent). From time to time, it reactivates in response to hypothermia, overheating, fever, or other factors. A recurrence of HSV-I often begins with a tingling, itching sensation in the area where the blisters used to be.

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

HSV-II reactivation is manifested by the growth of vesicles on the genitals and adjacent areas of the body - in the vagina, on the 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 proceed 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 swell, the lymph nodes swell, and the temperature rises. There are bubbles in the mouth, as in the photo. They then turn into ulcers and heal slowly over 7 to 14 days. During a recurrence of herpes, sores around the mouth may develop.

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

Clinical signs and symptoms of herpes infection in children:

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

A common clinical manifestation of HSV-I in a child aged 6 months to 5 years is considered acute herpetic stomatitis. Herpes in children 2-3 years old is manifested by lethargy, malaise, redness and pain in the throat, temperature. Symptoms of a herpes infection in the throat in children of primary school age and adolescents resemble pharyngotonsillitis. Lesions can spread to areas of the mucosa or skin if they get infected saliva. Complications often develop in the case of a primary infection, in the subsequent immunity usually copes with the virus.

Genital herpetic infection. Diagnosis of HSV

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

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

The most severe disease occurs with intrauterine infection, infection of the child immediately before childbirth. Within a few days after birth, characteristic symptoms are observed - fever develops, rashes appear on the body. Signs of herpes are complemented by yellowing of the skin, urine darkens, and the child's stool becomes discolored. The external genitalia are covered with vesicles. With the development of herpesvirus pneumonia, a fatal outcome 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. Diagnosis is most facilitated by blood tests using enzyme immunoassay or polymerase chain reaction (ELISA and PCR, respectively).

The final diagnosis is confirmed by virus isolation 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 lumbar puncture to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for signs of disease. In addition, it helps 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 need hospitalization, intensive care. It is necessary to contact the pediatrician if the newborn, after being discharged from the maternity hospital, develops a fever, rashes, redness and inflammation of the eyelids and mucous membranes of the eyes. When children older than a year develop superficial lesions of the mouth, pharynx, and skin, home treatment may suffice. During this period, it is necessary to prevent combing of the bubbles, scratching of the crusts.

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

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

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

1. Treatment of affected areas with antiseptic and anesthetic liquids (chlorhexidine, lidocaine).
2. Lotions with solutions of proteolytic enzymes to dissolve dead tissue (lysozyme).
3. Immunomodulatory medicines based on interferon - suppositories, gel and ointment "Viferon".
4. Antiviral agent acyclovir - tablets inside, cream - externally.
5. Desensitizing therapy (fenkarol, pipolfen).
6. Applications from oil solutions of tocopherol and vitamin A, sea buckthorn oil.
7. 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. Dehydration of the body should not be allowed, therefore they give apple juice, mineral water without gas.

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. Separate dishes and towels should be given to the patient to prevent the spread of infection in the family. The child can attend school, but in case of primary infection, pediatricians recommend leaving children at home.