Herpes is a viral disease that affects various age groups, but it is children who are at risk. Bubble rashes characteristic of it on various parts of the body and mucous membranes bring crumbs a lot of discomfort, become a source of irritation. How to recognize the first attack of the insidious virus and get rid of it? This is what we will understand in the framework of this material.
Types
Herpes in a child is a real horror for parents. Treatment of a viral disease proceeds with the use of antibiotics, potent drugs that can cause great harm to an already weakened baby’s immune system. That is why it is so important to prevent its manifestation in time, minimizing all possibilities. Modern doctors distinguish several types of disease. It is noteworthy that the herpes virus in children can appear even while they are in the womb or during labor.
Most often, the virus affects the skin and mucous membranes. Each type has its own "favorite" place on the human body, which it strikes. Therefore, the disease can proceed in different ways:
- Type 1 - a simple type, localized around the lips;
- Type 2 - rashes affecting the genital area;
- Type 3 - herpes zoster in children, chickenpox (chickenpox) ;
- Type 4 - the so-called Epstein-Barr virus, which is the causative agent of mononucleosis;
- Type 5 - cytomegalovirus infection;
- Type 6 - the cause of eczema in children.
We mentioned the main types of viral infection, but modern scientists call two more. The seventh syndrome is usually attributed to chronic fatigue syndrome, characterized by sudden baseless, at first glance, skin rashes. At the moment, it is not fully understood. But the eighth type is the cause of malignant neoplasms on the skin - sarcomas. The most common today are viruses of types 1, 2 and 3.
Infection pathways
Herpes in a child, however, as in an adult, is a contagious disease. But it is transmitted, as a rule, in two ways:
- Airborne - quite often, children pass chickenpox (chickenpox), shingles through the air. In this case, being close to each other is quite enough for infection.
- Direct contact - the virus is transmitted through hugs, handshakes and kisses. Quite often, infection occurs in domestic conditions through common objects: towels, dishes, door handles. This method of infection is characteristic of herpes of any type.
Infection can be transmitted from mother to child, even when in the womb. The virus is especially dangerous in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the main vital organs and systems of the baby’s body are formed. Moreover, it can cause miscarriage, the development of pathologies and deformities. Infection of the fetus at a later date rarely becomes the cause of his death, but it is certainly not worth excluding the fact of the development of complications. A woman and a child in this case should be under the supervision of specialists.
Virus immunity
After infection penetrates the human body, antibodies begin to form in his blood. It is noteworthy that they are produced only to the virus of the type that led to the development of the disease. So, immunity is formed to it in the body.
In turn, it is impossible to get rid of the virus after infection - even after recovery, it continues to remain in the cells of the nervous system, waiting for the right moment for a second attack. In the case of the slightest weakening of the nervous system, immunity, he can again begin his rapid reproduction.
But what about chickenpox, you ask? Many people know that after having had chickenpox once, you can later not be afraid of contact with the patient. This is a simple medical explanation: the symptoms of the primary disease often differ from those that cause newly awakened bacteria.
Why are children infected more often?
Herpes virus in children is quite common. And all because the child’s body cannot boast of a strengthened immunity. From the first days of life, crumbs develop antibodies to various viruses, but they will not be able to resist repeated infection. And there are several reasons that are associated with the main stages of the disease:
- primary infection in the child's body;
- the development of the disease;
- recovery with the formation of antibodies resistant to damage;
- localization of infection to nerve cells;
- weakening of the infection, which leads to a reduction in antibodies;
- virus activation.
Relapse cases
Among the main causes of the repeated spread of infection, it should be noted:
- colds - in this case, the immune system is "distracted" by the fight against it;
- poor nutrition - the child’s diet should be enriched with vitamins and minerals, because only a balanced diet can strengthen the immune system;
- overheating or hypothermia;
- stress;
- getting the body too large a dosage of the virus - this can lead to vaccination in a preschool educational institution or direct contact with the patient.
Numerous studies have shown that about 5% of babies are born with a genetic immunity against the virus. However, in this case, with a high dose, infection is still possible.
Symptoms
Different types of infection can cause different diseases, respectively, the symptoms accompanying them will also differ. We will focus only on those of them to which children are exposed.
First type: on the lips
Herpes on the lip of a child is perhaps the most common form of infection. Its main symptom is a rash - vesicular eruptions (visicles) filled with a clear liquid. The affected area turns red, itches and itches, bringing discomfort to the crumb. Photos of herpes in children are presented in this material. At this stage, parents should pay attention to such unpleasant symptoms, because they indicate the development and spread of infection. Sometimes a rash appears on the mucous membrane - herpes in the baby’s nose or eye area. Sometimes symptoms appear that complicate the course of the disease:
- increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Bubbles with liquid burst on average after 2-3 days, most often with combs. This complicates the treatment: it is quite difficult to control a small child. In place of the visicles, a wet crust first forms, which, when properly processed, disappears after a few days, leaving no traces or scars.
The second type: genital
Genital herpes in children is most often inherited from their mother. Infection occurs during pregnancy or labor. But based on medical practice, the virus can penetrate the children's body even if infected parents do not observe hygiene products, do not wash their hands after going to the toilet, touch common objects and hug the baby.
Symptoms of herpes in children in this case are similar to those that show herpes on the lip of a child. The difference lies only in their localization. In this case, watery vesicles cover the mucous membranes of the genitals. On average, the disease lasts 7-9 days, rarely, in case of complications, it can reach 4 weeks.
Third Type: Tinea
Chickenpox is most often sick precisely in childhood. Symptoms of the disease begin to develop after 1-3 weeks from the moment of infection. Most often, the body temperature rises to 38 degrees, the head hurts, and rashes appear throughout the body, accompanied by itching and burning. Subsequently, the bubble bursts, and in its place an ulcer forms. And here it is extremely important to limit the child's access to the rashes - if you comb them, a scar will appear in the place of the ulcer.
The duration of the disease largely depends on the intensity of the affected area and averages 7-10 days.
If your child has already had chickenpox, his body is weakened, and immunity needs additional nourishment and strengthening. The likelihood of relapse, that is, the development of herpes zoster, is not excluded. In children, it is accompanied by fever, inflammation of the lymph nodes, nervous exhaustion and the reappearance of rashes on the child's body.
The stages of development of the rash are the same: first, the affected area turns red, itches and itches, then bubbles with liquid appear on it, then the ulcer and its convergence. The difference lies in the nature of the rashes. In the case of chickenpox, inflammation is scattered throughout the body, and in the case of lichen, they are collected in groups of a significant size. They literally encircle the body of the baby, for which this type received its name.
A notable feature of this type is the redness of the affected area, followed by the formation of a bubble.
Fourth type: mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is an extremely rare disease, including among children. It is not dangerous, but it takes a fairly long time: the incubation period lasts up to three weeks, in the active state the virus stays for about two months. The main symptoms of its manifestations include:
- weakness;
- dry cough;
- muscle and joint pain;
- dizziness, migraine;
- increase in body temperature;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- enlarged spleen and liver.
Diseases are characterized by an extremely negative effect on the human immune system, so the list of symptoms can be replenished with the appearance of vesicle rashes in the lips and on the nasal mucosa.
Fifth type: hereditary virus
Every 20 baby is cytomegalovirus inherited from his mother. Signs of damage do not always appear: only in 5% of cases, calcium accumulates in soft tissues, inhibition and a decreased level of intelligence are observed. Symptoms of the disease quite often resemble rubella. In the case of early diagnosis and timely treatment, it will be possible to get rid of all its manifestations in 1-1.5 months.
Sixth type: exanthema
Sudden exanthema is a fairly rare type of herpes virus. Symptoms in children appear most often at the age of 1-2 years. The specific course of the disease will immediately determine it:
- high body temperature - the first 4 days the temperature does not fall below 39-40 degrees;
- sudden rash - it appears literally instantly after a drop in temperature and literally covers the entire body. When pressed, the bubbles change color to lighter.
It is noteworthy that the rashes do not bring any discomfort to the child: they do not itch and itch, moreover, they disappear on their own after a few hours.
Modern treatments
Herpes in a child: what to do? This question is asked by all parents, concerned about not the best condition of their baby. Regardless of the type of viral infection, doctors prescribe:
- Abundant drinking - fruit drinks, compotes are allowed, even ordinary boiled water will help prevent dehydration.
- Antipyretic drugs - in order to reduce the temperature, it is necessary to purchase children's "Paracetamol" or "Ibuprofen" and give them to the child, according to the dosage indicated in the instructions. These drugs will help get rid of muscle pain, relieve spasm.
- Antiviral agents aimed at combating herpes.
Forms of medicine
The modern pharmacological market offers a lot of effective drugs of gentle action. The form should be chosen based on the type of lesion. For the treatment of herpes simplex in children, that is, rashes in the lips, nose, as well as chickenpox and shingles, it is better to use ointments. Tablets demonstrate high efficiency, therefore, they are often prescribed in the supplement. Solutions for intravenous administration are extremely rare, only in case of complications.
The best antiviral drugs
So, the pharmaceutical market offers many herpes control products, but we want to introduce only the best of them:
- "Acyclovir" - in tablets. Children with herpes are recommended for diagnosing diseases of types 1, 2 and 3. It is allowed to use the product in the form of an ointment.
- Zovirax is an analogue of Acyclovir. They can replace the drug in case of absence at the pharmacy.
- Virolex is another analogue that is available only in tablet form.
- Viru-Merz Serol is an external gel suitable for types 1 and 2 of herpes virus.
The so-called "cold" on the lips, shingles and chickenpox can be treated with ointment - just apply it with a thin layer 3-5 times a day. The main thing is to prevent scratching of watery vesicles and those ulcers that form in their places after the breakthrough.
ethnoscience
Not all parents are loyal to the use of medications in the first months of the baby's life. That is why traditional medicine in the fight against herpes virus is very popular. The main rule is to observe caution, which will avoid an allergic reaction. To relieve itching, burning will help compresses from:
- raw protein of quail eggs;
- celandine;
- grated potatoes;
- toothpaste;
- decoction of chamomile and lemon balm.
Complex of preventive measures
Each disease is better to prevent than then treat it and eliminate the consequences. Given the fact that herpes virus only affects a weakened body, settling in it for life, it is necessary to pay great attention to hardening and strengthening the child’s immune system:
- playing sports;
- regular walks in the fresh air;
- balanced nutrition, enrichment of the diet with vegetables and fruits with a high content of vitamins and minerals;
- elimination of foci of chronic infections;
- isolating a child with the first symptoms of a viral infection from a team;
- taking antiviral drugs during epidemics.
If you are more attentive to your child and strengthen his body, you will be able to avoid infection even in case of contact with a sick child. That is why we strongly recommend that you listen to our advice and recommendations, rid your child of very unpleasant symptoms of herpesvirus infection. If you find the first signs, do not delay the visit to the doctor - this will avoid the development of severe forms and complications.