6 Treatments For Childhood Cold Sores

How can you identify cold sores? What treatments can be used for cold sores in children? To address these issues, it is important to know the main symptoms of the disease and the treatments that will help control it.

Children’s cold sores usually consist of small wounds and sores around the mouth. Although it is a very common infection because it is so contagious, parents are usually worried, especially when it feels uncomfortable.

The cause of herpes is herpes simplex 1, which is transmitted through saliva, skin contact or an infected object. It is sometimes caused by herpes simplex 2, but it usually affects the genital area.

Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for the virus. It will always be in your body, even if there are no symptoms. Thus, its onset may be due to stress, low defenses, or other illness.

Symptoms of cold sores in children

Children’s cold sores usually last 10 to 14 days. It takes so long for cold sores to mature, break out and develop a peel. After this last stage, the particles of dead skin cells come off without leaving marks or scars.

Cold sores include the following recognizable symptoms:

• Redness of the affected area
• Irritation and itching
• Ulcers or fluid-filled bladders
• Touch sensitivity
• Dry skin and scab (in its last stage)
• Moderate fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat

Treatments for cold sores in children

Cold sores are not usually an emergency. However, sometimes you may need a prescription from your doctor to get an antiviral medicine.

In general, certain treatments can help a child recover. Keep these in mind!

1. Ice cubes

The temperature of the skin that has developed cold sores rises and makes it uncomfortable as it burns and itches. So to minimize the discomfort of this infection, you can use ice cubes.

Use

• Wrap several ice cubes in a cotton cloth. Then place them around the child’s lips.
• Leave on for at least 10 minutes.
• If necessary, you can repeat this process several times a day.

2. St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort has antiviral properties that help children with cold sores. It therefore reduces the risk of infection. In addition, it helps to get rid of blisters as it contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Use

• Dip a cotton swab in St. John’s wort extract and apply to the affected area.
• Leave on for 5 minutes. Then repeat the process 2-3 times a day.

3. Cabbage leaves

Cabbage baths are a refreshing help when cold sores cause itching or burning. Due to their properties, they also protect damaged skin and speed up the healing process.

Use

• Squeeze several cabbage leaves and spread them on the damaged area.
• Leave them on for 5 minutes and rinse.
• Repeat the process twice a day.

4. Milk

A small amount of fresh milk can alleviate the discomfort caused by cold sores in children. Its nutrients help the tissues to regrow, thus reducing ulcers. In addition, it prevents itching and burning.

Use

• Dip a cotton swab in fresh milk.
• Then place it like a bandage on the damaged area.
• Use a little force and let it work for 10 minutes.
• Finally, rinse with cold water.
• Repeat this process three times a day.

5. Savi

The medicinal properties of clay can be a good treatment for cold sores in children. Because it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and is very sedative, it is good for removing ulcers. It also reduces the burning sensation caused by the infection.

Use

• Slightly dampen white or green clay in warm water.

• When it forms a thick paste, apply it to the damaged area.
• Let it work until it feels better.
• Finally, rinse with plenty of water.
• Repeat the process if you feel it is necessary.

6. Marigold

Rinsing the skin with calendula helps protect it. So it helps to get rid of cold sores. Thanks to its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory abilities, calendula is a good help for such an infectious disease.

Use

• Rinse your child’s skin with calendula.
• Repeat the process twice a day.

If cold sores get worse or do not get better, see a pediatrician as soon as possible. It is also important to see a doctor if your child has a long-lasting fever, cries heavily or starts to get sick.