Signs and symptoms of cold sores
For most children, the virus only causes sores around the mouth. However, some children can become very sick from the virus. Those particularly at risk include newborn babies, children with weak immune systems and children with eczema.
The first infection is usually the most severe. The child’s gums, palate and tongue become red and swollen. They become covered with painful blisters. The child often has a high fever and sometimes also has blisters on a finger. They may be very irritable. They may refuse to eat or drink because of pain. Symptoms usually last seven to 14 days. Many children need pain medication to encourage them to drink and to prevent dehydration. In rare cases, children require admission to the hospital for help with pain and dehydration.
After the first infection, the virus becomes inactive but remains in nerve cells. Triggers such as overtiredness, fever, stress or sun exposure may cause the cold sores to recur. This can happen more than once and varies from person to person. Some people experience recurrent cold sores every month, while others may get new blisters once or twice a year. Most people will get recurrent cold sores from the same trigger.
Children who experience recurrent cold sores may feel a tingling sensation near the lips up to 24 hours before the blister appears. One blister or a few small blisters surrounded by red and inflamed skin will then appear in that area. The blisters will be itchy or sore and usually burst within a few days. The clear fluid will then form a crust. The sore will heal on its own, without scarring, within a week.
Usually, the blisters re-appear around the mouth or on the lips. Sometimes they can also appear on other areas of the skin, eyes and fingers.
