2021-10-24 09:54:46
A priori, nothing to worry too much regarding when the word herpes is mentioned: under this little word hides a fairly, even very frequent viral infectionlinked to the HSV virus, called Herpes Simplex, of the large herpes virus family (which also includes chicken pox and shingles). This comes in two types: the HSV1 virus which concerns more the lips, the mouth, the throat (herpes labia or fever blister)and HSV2 which concerns genital herpes, but which does not generally occur in children before adolescence”, specifies doctor Thomas Dailland, pediatrician and author of My child is sick, what do I do? (2021).
Primary herpetic infection: what are the signs in the baby?
However, if the young child catches HSV1 herpes, it can sometimes seem overwhelming to the parents. That’s what we call a primary infectionwhen the child’s antibodies react strongly to the arrival of the virus.
Herpetic gingivostomatitis
“We can then observe damage to the whole mouth (herpetic gingivo stomatitis) very painful for the child”, explains the pediatrician. A more severe form of herpes which includes among the symptoms:
- Erosive, vesicular, sometimes necrotic angina;
- A fever, an altered state;
- Large glands along the neck;
- Foul breath;
- Pain-related loss of appetite.
Also to know : if the symptoms can be impressive, it also happens that a child has a primary infection… passing totally unnoticedor resembling a small angina.
What causes herpes in babies?
The mode of contagion does not differ much from other common viruses: the herpes virus is simply transmitted through saliva, droplets secreted when speaking, contact with hands, contact with infected areas… It is therefore very common to catch this in the community (nursery, school, etc.) or at home, when a parent is himself affected by a cold sore, for example.
Stronger contagion following 6 months
Primary herpetic infection occurs most often between 1 year and 3 years in young patients. At 6 months, when protective maternal antibodies disappear, the child becomes more vulnerable to external viruses. By the age of 4-5, it is estimated that a third of children have already been in contact with the virus.
In the case of a breastfeeding mother
If a mother is breastfeeding but discovers small blisters or a cold sore on herself, there is no need to panic. “She must above all continue breastfeedingbecause that’s what’s good for him,” says Dr. Dailland, “but you have to be careful to maintain good hand hygieneand why not, put on a mask while breastfeeding,” he suggests.
On the other hand, in case of fever or vesicles that would appear in the baby, urgent consultation is required.
Cold sores in babies: when should we consult?
The pediatrician reminds us, in a consultation, the age of the baby or child must be taken into account: the younger the baby, the more fever and symptoms should be monitored quickly.
In the context of a child who has a blistering eruption that raises questions for you, it may also be useful to consult to make an accurate diagnosis. Indeed, herpes can sometimes be confused with:
- An area which may resemble it with its bouquet of isolated vesicles;
- eczema which becomes bullous, with pruritus;
- The syndrome feet-hands-mouth.
How to treat cold sores in babies?
The question of treatment and its effectiveness is currently quite discussed. Since herpes is a virus, it disappears on its own within a few days. “In the case of a primary infection, we can set up a treatment by an antiviral, Aciclovir, to alleviate symptoms and reduce their duration. But its effectiveness is not radical, ”says the pediatrician. In addition, the treatment will have no effect that if caught at the very beginning of the appearance of vesicles. “After 48 hours, there is no longer any real interest”, he specifies.
Hospitalization sometimes necessary
If very young, the child may have to be temporarily hospitalized “not because herpes is serious for the child, but because a too much pain can prevent the child from eating during many days. So sometimes you have to le perfuser so that he regains his strength, ”reassures the pediatrician.
My child is having herpes attacks, what precautions should I take?
Rest assured, your child will have a completely normal life, even with herpes simplex. “Herpes is not not an eviction condition nursery or school,” says Dr Dailland. Even in the event of a pimple on the lip, for example, he can therefore return to the crèche or to school, by notifying, of course, the person in charge of the crèche or the teacher.
Usage precautions will then be put in place, as the fact ofavoid in these moments that he touches all the toys, to properly disinfect your glass, bottle, etc. But nothing more constraining. It is, however, an opportunity toinsist on hygiene measures and educate them as soon as possible on hand washing and blowing their nose.
Can the child “repeat” such a strong attack?
No, and that’s good news. “Like chickenpox, the herpes virus remains in the body. Over the infections we all have a procession of small viruses which remain in the body, and which settle in nerve ganglia “explains the doctor.
In the case of herpes, this can to reappear thanks to a specific eventas fever, fatigue, stress, etc., in the form of small vesicles, but will not take on the extent of a primary infection. “Or if this is the case, then you have to ask yourself the question of a deficient immune system”, evokes the specialist.
The special case of oral herpes in newborns
If herpes therefore often ranks among the benign infections, that of the pregnant woman who might pass it on to her child is much more worrying, and can even be fatal for the infant. Two scenarios are to be taken into account : that of simple labial herpes, and that of genital herpes contracted during pregnancy.
If the mother has a history of herpes, without herpes recurrence during pregnancy
” It is rather good news announces, the pediatrician, this means that she already has antibodies and that her baby will keep them for regarding 2 to 3 months following birth. Similarly, the mother who sees a cold sore appear during her pregnancy should not worry, it is totally benign.
If the mother contracts genital herpes (HSV2) during pregnancy
This is a more worrying situation that must be closely monitored “if the herpes is very active, the risk of neonatal herpes (source 1) contracted during the passage of the baby is present. It is unfortunately quite a serious infection for the baby that can go until death. In the event of a genital lesion in the mother, she must then consult her gynecologist for set up a medical protocol before delivery (source 2). The baby, meanwhile, will in this case be subjected to a complete examination, ”says the pediatrician.
A baby who gets a herpes infection transplacentally can also be in a serious situation. A protocol should also be considered with a pediatrician specializing in neonatology.
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