home Auditorium 7 Treatment of herpes in children 5 years old. How the herpes simplex virus manifests itself in children: symptoms of herpes infection. Why do children get herpes?

Treatment of herpes in children 5 years old. How the herpes simplex virus manifests itself in children: symptoms of herpes infection. Why do children get herpes?

A hidden herpes virus of one type or another is present in the body of every person, usually from childhood. The frequency of manifestation of the virus depends on many factors, but primarily on the state of the person’s immune system. Herpes can become active several times a year in some people and not manifest itself in any way during life in others. This virus is considered safe for the healthy body of preschool children and adolescents, but can cause serious complications in infants or unborn babies if infected intrauterinely.

What is herpes in children

Herpes infection in children, as well as in adults, is a viral disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth, lips and face, and genitals. It presents with symptoms that usually include sores that develop into characteristic itchy and painful groups of blisters. The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with skin or mucous membranes, as well as through household objects. The disease can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Airborne infection cannot be ruled out.

The herpes virus invades the DNA of nerve cells, where it remains in a latent state throughout a person’s life.

In children, the infection usually invades through the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, the organs of the upper respiratory system, and less often through the genitals. Having penetrated tissue barriers, the virus ends up in the blood and lymph. Subsequently circulating throughout the body, it enters various organs.

The herpes virus in children often appears on and around the lips, on the sides of the nose, and in the oral cavity; less often - on the trunk and limbs, extremely rarely - on the genitals.

The viral infection is embedded in the DNA of nerve cells, from where it is no longer possible to expel it. Herpes remains in the human body until the end of life, but remains there in an inactive form. A healthy immune system counters the development of the disease by producing specific antibodies that neutralize virus particles circulating in the bloodstream. However, under the influence of negative factors, such as colds, freezing or lack of vitamins, the immune system can fail, allowing the virus to become more active. The pathogen begins to multiply in the epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes, which leads to disruption of their nutrition and death.

Types and symptoms of viral infection

The herpesvirus family is divided into 3 subfamilies (alphaherpesviruses, betaherpesviruses, gammaherpesviruses), which number more than 100 types of viruses, but only 8 of them are dangerous to humans, including children:

Diagnosis of the virus

If you suspect that a child has been infected with a virus, you should first contact a pediatrician who, if necessary and depending on the location of the rash and other symptoms, will refer the patient to a more specialized specialist: a dermatologist, urologist, or immunologist.

Diagnosis of the virus consists of two stages:

medical examination to detect external signs of the disease;
laboratory tests that detect the presence of the virus in blood and other biological fluids.

A doctor can easily identify herpes simplex visually, but other types of the virus may not manifest themselves outwardly or may masquerade as diseases with similar symptoms. In these cases, confirmation of the diagnosis using laboratory methods is required. They make it possible to identify even inactive forms of the virus, determine its type and concentration.

Herpetic rash on the lips and around the mouth is the most common manifestation of the virus in children

The main types of tests that laboratory diagnostics include:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A new high-tech method for testing blood (or any other biological fluids) that detects even minimal concentrations of the virus. It is based on repeated copying of DNA and RNA fragments of the pathogen and subsequent comparison with an existing database to accurately determine the type of pathogen.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A blood test method based on the antigen-antibody reaction. An antigen is a foreign molecule of protein origin, and an antibody is immunoglobulins, which are produced to bind antigens and subsequently destroy them by immune cells. Identification of the corresponding compounds in blood serum allows us to determine the presence of the virus and its concentration in the blood.
Immunofluorescence analysis (Coons method). The express diagnostic method is based on the treatment of biological material with a special substance (fluorochrome), which illuminates antigens in the UV rays of a fluorescent microscope, making them easy to detect, although only at a significant concentration.

Most often, the PCR method is used for diagnosis, and this is quite sufficient. The advisability of prescribing one of the other two research methods is determined by the attending physician. At the discretion of the doctor, additional diagnostic methods may be prescribed, for example, an immunogram, which demonstrates the general state of the immune system (the number of certain immunoglobulins). This analysis is necessary for the correct selection of therapy to stimulate the body's defenses.

Treatment tactics

It makes sense to treat herpes infection in children in the first 3 days from the moment the rash appears. Delayed initiation of therapy will not be effective and will not significantly affect recovery. Symptoms usually go away on their own and regardless of treatment. Antiviral therapy is mandatory for frequent relapses, prolonged or extensive rashes. Treatment is aimed at relieving the child of the symptoms of the disease in the form of ulcers and blisters, as well as limiting the further spread of the virus and the progression of the localized form to the generalized one. Antiviral therapy includes the following groups of drugs:

A sick child must be isolated from the group to avoid infecting other children. While the virus is active, the child should be given his own dishes and other personal items to use, since herpes is transmitted in everyday life.

Regime and diet

Bed rest is indicated in cases where the child has a high temperature (chickenpox, infectious mononucleosis, roseola). It is important to provide the patient with plenty of warm drink (water, tea, compote) and frequently ventilate the room, maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity.

When the herpes virus is activated in the body, it is recommended to avoid foods high in arginine and low in lysine, two of the eight naturally occurring amino acids. The virus needs arginine to grow. Arginine-rich foods can make herpes worse. These include:

Chocolate may worsen the disease

It is better to temporarily avoid the listed products when the virus is active, and not to abuse them after recovery.

Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates (baked goods, noodles, carbonated drinks) suppresses the immune system. Sugar prevents the body's cells from absorbing vitamin C in the required amount, which reduces the ability to resist infection.

The basis of a sick child’s diet should be the following foods:

bird;
fish;
beef;
eggs;
beans;
fruits and vegetables of variegated colors.

These products have a high lysine/arginine ratio. In addition, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli (cruciferous vegetables) have been found to be beneficial in fighting the herpes virus. They reduce the intensity of pain and discomfort that accompany the infection.

Folk recipes

For a speedy recovery from the herpes virus, it is useful to take fish oil in the dosage prescribed by your doctor. To treat bubble formations you can use:

If the intensity of symptoms and the size of the ulcers do not decrease after using the described home remedies, you should schedule an urgent visit to the doctor. Usually, a weakened immune system or any other associated complication hampers the healing process, so consulting a doctor in such cases becomes extremely important.

Traditional remedies for herpes - gallery

Apple cider vinegar has disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties
Garlic contains allicin, an organic compound with antiviral effects. Peppermint is used for herpes in the form of tea (internally) and in the form of oil (externally) Tea tree oil contains terpenes and phenylpropanoids, which act as a natural antiviral agent

Possible complications of the herpes virus

Some children may systematically experience reactivation of the latent virus, others experience symptoms only once after infection, then the herpes enters an inactive phase. The virus can be reactivated by provoking factors such as:

stress;
menstruation (in girls);
weakened immunity due to another disease;
sunburn.

Over time, the immune system begins to produce antibodies and reactivation of the virus occurs less and less over the years. In a healthy child, herpes usually does not cause complications.

The herpes virus in infants can cause dangerous complications

The virus can become dangerous for infants, although it is rare in babies under one year of age, since they are protected by the mother’s antibodies present in breast milk. Under the influence of the virus, young children may develop damage to the visual or auditory system, nervous and genitourinary systems. Herpetic infection is a favorable background for frequent stomatitis - lesions of the oral mucosa. In severe cases of generalized infection, some types of herpes can lead to the development of eczema, hepatitis, herpetic encephalitis, as well.

Prevention of herpes infection

If there is a child and adults in the house who have an active form of herpes infection, the following preventive recommendations must be strictly followed:

use a medical gauze bandage;
temporarily refrain from close contact with the child (kissing);
do not touch the rash, wash your hands often with soap;
use individual household items and personal hygiene products.

Treatment of herpes infection in children - video

The herpes virus cannot be cured in the classical sense. Once it enters a child’s body, it remains there forever. But it is possible and necessary to influence the frequency of its activation, strengthening the immunity of a child or teenager with the help of suitable nutrition and a properly organized daily routine.

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 the 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! Specific treatment is prescribed for each type of virus. 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, for the treatment of herpes of the first and second types, preparations based on sea buckthorn are used. 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.

Increasingly, doctors are registering various forms of herpetic infections in children. These diseases have a chronic course, which requires mandatory monitoring by parents and doctors. Not everyone knows what the symptoms and treatment of herpes in children are.

Types of virus

Currently, scientists have discovered 8 types of viral herpes species. These harmful microorganisms very easily cause herpes infection in young children. The structure of only three of the eight subtypes has been well studied. They are the most thoroughly described and studied. These infectious agents most often cause colds on the lips and in the intimate area in children.

Literally translated, herpetic lesion means “creeping disease.” Doctors gave this name to the disease several centuries ago. The peculiarity of this virus is that the favorite places for its occurrence are various mucous membranes. Microbes have a toxic effect on epithelial cells, which leads to the appearance of various adverse symptoms.

In pediatric practice, the most common are 8 subtypes of viruses that cause various damage to the baby:

Type 1. More often they contribute to the development of various rashes on the mucous membranes of the lips in the child.
Type 2. Causes a rash on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
Type 3. It belongs to a subspecies of the virus that can cause chickenpox or shingles in a baby.
Type 4. Doctors call it the Epstein-Barr herpes virus. These microorganisms can cause manifestations of infectious mononucleosis in a baby.
Type 5. It is responsible for the development of cytomegalovirus infection.
Type 6. A fairly new subspecies of the virus. Scientists conduct a large number of different studies to study in detail the infectious and virulent properties of this microorganism. This type of herpes can cause manifestations of multiple sclerosis or the development of sudden exanthema.
Type 7. Not described in detail. Currently, researchers are studying the properties of this microorganism. There is scientific evidence that this particular subtype is responsible for the development of sudden skin rashes in a baby and leads to the development of chronic fatigue.
Type 8. A rather unfavorable subtype of the virus. May contribute to the development of malignant neoplasms on the skin. There are scientific studies suggesting that this particular virus contributes to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Incubation period

Most viral diseases are highly contagious (infectious). Herpes is no exception. A sick person who has a high concentration of viruses in the blood is contagious. Based on statistics, it can be noted that the largest number of cases of the disease are caused by a subtype of herpes simplex. It contributes to the development of adverse symptoms of herpes infection in 90% of children.

For a long time, a child may not even suspect that he is already infected with herpes. In this case, the infection occurs in a latent form. With this variant of the disease there are no symptoms. The latent form occurs in approximately 5% of children.

Typically, infection with the herpes virus occurs through initial contact with an infected person. The incubation period for different subtypes of the virus may vary. The first symptoms of the disease can appear either a couple of days after the pathogen enters the child’s body or several months later.

The duration of the incubation period depends on many factors and initial data. The level of the immune system plays an important role in this. If the baby’s immunity is strong, then the symptoms of the disease may be mild (or absent altogether) for a long period of time. They usually appear only when the immune system is not functioning well.

The incubation period for herpes type 1 usually ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. In this case, the first rashes appear on the mucous membranes of the lips and in the mouth. Genital herpes, which causes a rash in the intimate area, usually causes uncomfortable symptoms after 6-7 days. Zoster variants of the disease have a longer incubation period. In some cases it can be several months (or even years).

Main symptoms

Different subtypes of viruses can settle on different mucous membranes. This results in a wide variety of localizations. Each type of herpes has its own clinical characteristics. This is due to the properties of the viral particles themselves. The infection manifests itself in children in different ways.

Herpes can cause the following clinical manifestations in a child:

Increased body temperature. Usually it increases to febrile levels. The peak of elevated temperature occurs in the first 3-4 days from the beginning of the acute period of the disease. The temperature usually drops quickly. For normalization, the prescription of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs is required.
The appearance of a rash. It is represented by a collection of numerous formations, inside of which there is liquid. These rashes look like bubbles filled with contents. The location of the rash is determined by the type of virus that caused the disease.
Enlarged lymph nodes. Regional lymph collectors are usually affected. If the virus causes a rash on the upper half of the body, then the cervical, parotid, submandibular and subclavian lymph nodes will be involved in the process. They increase in size and become tightly fused to the skin. When palpating them, the child may experience pain.

Severe symptoms of intoxication. The abundance of viral toxins has a toxic effect on the entire body. The child feels “broken” and becomes very lethargic. Children's appetite and sleep are disturbed. Infants often refuse breastfeeding.
Behavior change. Kids become more capricious. Children in the first years of life do not make contact well. More severe forms of the disease lead to increased drowsiness. Unbearable itching of skin rashes contributes to increased anxiety and nervousness in the baby.
Soreness in the areas of herpetic blisters. Herpes rashes are usually very itchy. With the shingles variant, the pain spreads along the damaged nerve. After the rash disappears, the pain goes away.

In the mouth

Most often, this variant is caused by the herpes virus type 1. The child experiences all the symptoms described above. Herpetic rash has several features. With the herpes simplex virus, it can occur on the tonsils, cheek, and tongue. The rash is represented by various diverse blisters, inside of which there is liquid.

The liquid component usually has a grayish or reddish color. Herpetic blisters protrude a couple of millimeters above the surface of the skin. In severe cases, they can be numerous and quite large in size. Such rashes on the tonsils present a certain difficulty. They can easily break through and become injured during meals.

This type of herpes is also characterized by an increase in the parotid and cervical lymph nodes. In some cases, they even become visible to the naked eye. The baby's body temperature rises to 38-38.5 degrees. The abundance of rashes leads to severe pain when swallowing. This contributes to poor appetite.

Rash on lips

They most often occur when infected with a simple virus. Typically, the development of this herpetic rash is promoted by subtype 1. The disease is characterized by the appearance of numerous blisters filled from the inside with serous-bloody fluid. These formations are easily injured. Even minor trauma can cause capillary bleeding.

The danger also lies in the fact that when such bubbles are damaged, open wounds appear. A secondary bacterial infection can easily penetrate into them. This leads to the development of viral-bacterial conditions. You can notice such changes at home. When bacteria enter, the bubbles begin to fester.

The red border of the lips is the most favorite location for herpes simplex viruses. Rashes do not appear immediately. First, the damaged area begins to itch very much. After a couple of hours or by the end of the first day after the onset of severe itching, blisters begin to appear. When they appear, the itching increases several times.

Typically, blisters remain on the skin for 6-12 days. After an acute period of illness, they completely disappear from the skin. In their place, a dry crust appears, which after some time disappears on its own. In some cases, moderate itching and redness of the damaged areas of the skin persist.

Herpetic rashes on the face

This localization is not the most common. Typically, this form of herpetic infection occurs in weakened and frequently ill children, as well as children with various forms of immunodeficiency conditions. With this variant of the disease, red itchy blisters appear on the nose, chin, forehead, and eyelid. Severe forms of the disease are accompanied by the appearance of herpetic rashes on almost the entire surface of the facial skin.

Each subtype of herpes has its own favorite localizations and some features of the development of unfavorable symptoms. Thus, with herpes virus type 1, blisters appear mainly in the area of the nasolabial triangle. With the shingles variant, the rashes cover not only the face, they occur throughout the body. Chickenpox is characterized by a gradual appearance of the rash. In some cases, it also appears on the head, in the hair area.

After the blisters disappear, crusts remain on the skin. They usually differ in color from the surrounding skin. The crusts are reddish or red-brown in color. After a couple of days, they completely disappear, and the skin becomes pale pink and clean again. Itching usually disappears after 5-6 days from the moment the first rash appears on the face.

What does the encircling option look like?

The development of this disease is caused by type 3 herpes virus. This viral subtype is quite virulent. The risk of infection is quite high. Typically, children who attend kindergarten and preschool institutions are more likely to become infected with shingles. The herpes virus can remain in the environment for quite a long time. Only prolonged exposure to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation lead to its destruction.

Most often, doctors note the disease as a form of zoster infection in children who have recently had chickenpox. This is largely due to the peculiarities of the immune system. A weakened immune system cannot cope with the attack of pathogenic viruses. Frequently ill children and children with immunodeficiencies are also at increased risk.

Once entering a child’s body, viruses can remain in a “dormant” state for quite a long time. Usually, through the bloodstream, they enter the nerve ganglia, where they can maintain their viability for a long time without losing their virulent properties. Under unfavorable conditions, they begin to actively multiply and cause the baby to develop classic symptoms of a herpetic infection.

In the shingles form, herpetic blisters appear on almost the entire body. Their location depends on the affected nerve. They can be located on the leg, arm, back, or front surface of the chest. The rarest localization for the shingles form is on the palms and soles. In such cases, painful blisters mainly appear on the skin of the fingers.

The development of rashes goes through several successive stages. Severe redness appears first. After a couple of hours, moderate itching appears, which becomes unbearable over time. The next stage is the appearance of bubbles. They contain serous fluid inside. Herpetic blisters remain on the skin for three to four weeks.

Then they disappear, and ulcers form in their place. If at this time the secondary bacterial flora does not reach the damaged areas, they will heal and crusts will form. The crusts may last for a week. The itching noticeably decreases at this time. After another week, the crusts begin to fall off on their own.

After an illness, only patches of depigmented skin may remain on the skin. This is a temporary phenomenon. Usually, over time, this symptom completely disappears. Subsequently, the child’s skin becomes clean, without traces of a previous herpetic infection.

Skin rashes also accompany other symptoms. These include an increase in temperature to febrile levels, soreness and enlargement of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes, increasing headache and severe weakness. They usually persist throughout the entire acute period of the disease. To eliminate them, the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs and plenty of warm drinks is required.

Doctors usually note that the severity of the disease depends on the age of the patient. The younger the child, the easier he tolerates this form of herpetic infection. In older age, the disease is quite difficult to tolerate. Some patients with severe herpes zoster are even hospitalized. They are indicated for intensive treatment.

In the intimate area

Damage to the genital organs by herpes infection is a fairly common pathology encountered in pediatric medical practice. This disease is caused by the herpes virus type 2. It is distinguished by its peculiarity of affecting the mucous membranes of the genital organs. The severity of the disease depends on the age of the child, the presence of concomitant chronic diseases, as well as the state of his immunity.

This variant of herpes infection is usually transmitted sexually. However, there are some peculiarities in the transmission of the disease in children. They can also become infected during fetal development - transcervically. In this case, viruses enter the blood along with amniotic fluid. The transplacental method promotes the transmission of microorganisms through the blood vessels of the placenta.

Scientists also note a variant of infection through the fallopian tubes - transovarian. A fairly common method of infection is during childbirth. Even minor damage allows viruses to easily enter the child’s body. This option is also called contact. Doctors note that children usually become very easily infected with herpes infection during birth.

The most significant susceptibility to infection with type 2 herpes viruses is in children aged six months to three years. The immune system of children at this age is not yet fully functioning. This contributes to the fact that the child’s body cannot cope with the destruction of viruses on its own. Typically, after initial contact, clinical symptoms appear in only 10% of cases. For others, the infection remains latent.

Most cases of herpes virus type 2 infection occur in adolescence. The variant of infection in this case is sexual or household contact. After 5-7 days, the first adverse symptoms of the disease appear in children. They can persist for several weeks. The subsidence of the acute period of the disease does not indicate complete recovery. Very often the course is chronic.

The classic symptom of “genital” herpes is numerous blisters. They are located on the external genitalia. These skin elements are quite itchy. In some cases, the itching can be unbearable. The time of day doesn't matter. Itching can bother a child both during the day and at night.

After the blisters disappear, erosions and wounds remain on the skin. Epithelialization will take some time. Usually it takes 5-6 days. Then the mucous membrane is completely restored and heals. There are no traces of the disease left behind.

The child's general well-being is quite disturbed. The baby feels bad and becomes increasingly nervous. Small children are more often capricious; babies may often ask to be held. Body temperature usually increases to 38-39 degrees. Against the background of a febrile condition, the child may develop chills and fever.

Symptoms of intoxication are also significantly pronounced. With these forms of the disease, headaches, sleep and appetite disturbances, as well as fatigue often occur. It is important to note that this subtype of the virus contributes to the development of relapses. Any condition that leads to a decrease in immunity leads to the appearance of new skin rashes in the child. Such relapses can occur even several years after the first exacerbation.

Mild forms of genital herpes occur in 90-95% of children. In other cases, the disease is severe. This condition requires emergency hospitalization of the child in a hospital. There, the baby will receive the entire necessary range of antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment.

Genital disease in a newborn and one-year-old child

Every day, doctors began to note an increasing number of cases of infection with this particular form of herpes infection. Babies are mainly infected during childbirth. Pregnancy pathologies also contribute to the development of intrauterine infection of the unborn fetus. Violation of the integrity of the placenta and feeding blood vessels leads to easier penetration of viruses into the baby.

Children under the age of 1 year suffer from herpes quite seriously. However, there are also exceptions. The severity of the disease depends on the state of the baby’s immunity, his weight at birth, as well as the presence of concomitant chronic diseases. If a child becomes infected with the virus during childbirth, the first symptoms usually appear within 10-14 days.

Doctors identify several options for the course of infection in babies in the first months of life:

Localized. Usually occurs in every 2-4 children who become infected with genital herpes during childbirth. Herpetic rashes appear on the skin, mucous membranes of the oral cavity, and also in the eye area. Usually they are single; other variants occur only in severe cases of the disease. The most dangerous localization is the eye area, as dangerous complications may arise in the form of atrophy of the optic nerve and the development of decreased vision.
Generalized. Usually occurs in 25-40% of cases. The first symptoms appear in the baby within 5-7 days from the moment the viruses enter the blood. It is characterized by a rather severe course. Herpetic rashes cover almost the entire surface of the skin.
Penetration into the brain. They are registered in approximately 30% of newborns infected with herpes virus type 2. The first clinical signs appear 2-3 weeks after the microorganisms enter the child’s body. The course of the disease is unfavorable: symptoms increase rapidly - over a short period of time. The danger of the condition is that it can be fatal.

Treatment

Today, therapy for herpes infections is diverse. It includes a large number of different drugs and medications. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely cure herpes in some cases. Some forms of the disease (for example, chickenpox) go away on their own. After suffering from chickenpox, the baby develops stable lifelong immunity.

All treatment of herpetic infections can be divided into several sections:

Use of antiviral therapy. Medicines can be prescribed in the form of tablets, injections and ointments. For mild forms of the disease, topical drugs are predominantly used. To eliminate severe symptoms, the prescription of tablets is required. Among the most commonly used drugs are Acyclovir, Zovirax, Valtrex, Vectavir, Famvir and others.
Restoring the immune system. Immunotherapy is carried out mainly during remission. The use of interferon drugs and immunoglobulins helps strengthen the immune system. Medicines are prescribed as a course of treatment. The regimen is selected by a pediatrician or immunologist, taking into account the child’s age and the characteristics of his medical history, as well as the presence of concomitant chronic diseases.
Bed rest during the acute period. It is better to spend the time when the baby has a high temperature in bed. This will contribute to a faster recovery and prevent dangerous complications. Usually bed rest is prescribed for 3-5 days. In severe cases, it can be extended for a week or more.

Taking multivitamin complexes. To cope with the consequences of viral intoxication, additional enrichment of the diet with vitamins and beneficial microelements is required. Multivitamin complexes enriched with antioxidants help the immune system function well. Selenium, vitamin C and retinol will be excellent helpers in the fight against a dangerous viral infection.

Warm, plenty of drink. Helps eliminate all toxic products from the body. Various fruit drinks and compotes made from berries and fruits are perfect as drinks. Drinks that are too sweet should not be given to your baby. It is better to dilute them with boiled water first. During the day, a sick baby should drink 1.5 liters of liquid.

If a child develops chickenpox, it is very important to observe quarantine. The baby should remain at home throughout the acute period of the disease. This will help prevent mass outbreaks of the disease in educational institutions. After normalization of health, the child can continue attending kindergarten.

At home

For many centuries, people have treated herpes on their own, without resorting to medications. Doctors recommend this treatment only for mild forms of the disease. It is quite dangerous for newborns and infants to use home therapy with traditional medicine. Before any use of medicinal plants, be sure to consult your doctor.

To eliminate the adverse symptoms of herpes, the following are used:

Lotions made from lemon balm or mint. These products do an excellent job of eliminating itching and redness of damaged areas of the skin. To prepare the infusion, take 1 tablespoon of the raw material and pour a glass of boiling water over it, leave for about an hour. After this, cool the solution to a comfortable temperature. Lotions with lemon balm infusion can be used up to 3-6 times a day until the rash disappears completely.
Propolis. This beekeeping product has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and helps eliminate itching, as well as any redness. You can use propolis to treat herpetic blisters several times a day. This product is prohibited for use in children who are allergic to honey.
Eucalyptus oil. It helps eliminate redness and itching in the affected areas. Eucalyptus oil has excellent antiseptic properties. Applying this product to herpetic rashes will help prevent the entry of pathogenic bacteria and the development of suppuration.
Calendula decoction. This product is most often used in the form of lotions. To prepare, just take 1-1.5 tablespoons of crushed calendula flowers and pour 200 ml of boiling water. You need to insist for 40-50 minutes. Lotions with calendula are applied to damaged areas 3-4 times a day.

You can learn more about herpes in the following video.

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, for which 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 take a closer look at 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, 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 stops bothering 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 their 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 fetal infection is quite high, and such infection can lead to 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 herpetic 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 to be treated with a 3% solution of Vidarabine, a 1% solution of Iodineoxyuridine, 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 it is necessary to have contact with the baby, 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 stay in the 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!

Treatment of herpetic infections in children involves the use of several groups of drugs and other therapeutic methods as auxiliary ones.

They are designed to act directly on the herpes pathogen itself, reducing symptoms and increasing the body's resistance. There are two main areas of treatment for herpetic infections: basic therapy and additional treatment.

However, you should not self-medicate. Herpes therapy in children should be monitored by a pediatrician who prescribes the necessary medication regimen.

Basic therapy

The main treatment is carried out with the help of drugs with antiviral and immunostimulating effects. In most cases, topical ointments are used. For moderate severity of the disease, tablet dosage forms are prescribed in addition. In more severe and advanced cases, medications are administered intravenously.

The most widely used antiviral drugs are:

Local treatment

5% cream for external use or 5% . These are analogues of the active substance. However, due to its special texture and composition, Zovirax is absorbed much better and therefore acts faster. It should be applied in a thin layer to the area of the rash about 5 times a day. This should be done for 5 to 10 days. Eye ointment 3% is applied to the conjunctival sac.
Viferon. The ointment is used only in combination with other antiviral medications.

Pills

Acyclovir. Their use in combination with ointments allows you to increase the concentration of the drug in the blood of a small patient. Analogues - Zovirax, Gerpevir, Verolex. Take 1 tablet from 2 years of age. 5 times.
Isoprinosine (Groprinosine), tab. 500 mg each. Antiviral and immunostimulating agent. Prescribed for children from 3 years of age. Daily dose: for each kg of weight – 50 mg of Isoprinosine. The total amount is divided into three to four doses at equal intervals.
Arbidol (Arpetol). Antiviral and immunostimulating. Capable of synthesizing interferon.

Candles

Viferon. Refers to a number of interferons, which has an immunostimulating effect, activating the immune response to the effects of the herpes virus.

Injections

Acyclovir is administered intravenously at a dose of 45 mg/kg of child weight per day. At home, this method of treatment is unacceptable unless the doctor has a contrary opinion.

Immune drugs:

Immunal. Herbal remedy based on the juice of the Echinacea herb.
Anaferon for children, table. Homeopathic medicine to increase the body's resistance, also used as an antiviral.
Galavit. Candles for children from 6 years old. Has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
Immunoflazid. It is used as an immunomodulator for chronic forms of herpes and other viral infections.
Bioaron S. Syrup based on plant components, which has a stimulating effect on the body's resistance.
Complex vitamins.

Additional treatment

This is the use of various drugs to prevent the addition of other infections and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Applicable:

Zinc ointment, streptocidal. They have anti-inflammatory and drying effects.
Decoctions of St. John's wort and licorice are used topically to speed up the healing of ulcers.
Aloe or Kalanchoe juice is anti-inflammatory.
Sea buckthorn and rosehip oil as a wound healing agent.
Antipyretics (Nurofen, Efferalgan) - symptomatic treatment.
Fenistil drops to reduce itching and swelling.
Boro Plus. Ointment with a drying and antiseptic effect. Not a medicine.

These are the main remedies that are most often prescribed for herpes in children. Their dosages can be adjusted by your doctor.