How does genital herpes appear and how to treat in children and adolescents

How can a child become infected with herpes?

Can the infection be passed on to a baby? Since the disease is contagious, it is certainly transmitted. Once a virus enters a child’s body, it remains there for life.

The source of infection is a sick person who has herpes. The causative agent of the infection is the herpes simplex virus and chickenpox.

Route of infection in children:

• domestic;
• airborne;
• during childbirth from the mother;
• during blood transfusion.

Very often, a child becomes infected from a parent.

While showing care and paying attention to their child, parents are not always careful in their interactions when they are carriers of herpes, even in a hidden form. While touching each other, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing, or through saliva during conversation, you can infect your baby with herpes.

The spread of the disease can also be in everyday life. This directly includes the general use of towels, washcloths, and visiting baths and saunas together with children. In infants, herpes can appear when a parent puts the baby's pacifier in his mouth before giving it to him, licking the spoon with food.

If the parents and the immediate social circle of the family do not suffer from herpes, then the baby, being 2-3 years old, may encounter a carrier and become infected from it.

Infection of a child can also occur from a sick mother during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The risk of infection of the fetus is very high and can lead to miscarriage. Transmission of infection from mother to newborn occurs very often. This period is quite difficult, you need to be careful and protect your baby from infection. Since the mother limits her diet during breastfeeding, gives all the vitamins with milk to the baby, she loses the strength of the body, her immunity decreases, and therefore a relapse of the disease occurs.

Reasons why herpes is transmitted:

1. Cold.
2. Hypothermia.
3. Weakened immunity.
4. Unbalanced diet (there are no nutrients and vitamins necessary for the baby).
5. Stressful situations.
6. Weather conditions (usually autumn, winter).

How does herpes infection manifest in children?

Signs of infection in childhood are similar to adult herpes, often appearing more demonstratively and vividly. A very significant point here is at what age the child became infected.

Infection with the newborn virus is called neonatal herpes.

It is characterized by special symptoms and a severe course of the disease. This disease causes multiple damage to internal organs (lungs, kidneys, liver), as well as the brain and spinal cord. If a sick baby has an intrauterine herpes infection, he may not survive and may become incapacitated during his lifetime.

Older children have different signs. In the first stages of infection with the virus in children, herpes may not manifest itself.

Main symptoms:

1. Feeling of discomfort in the corners of the lips.
2. A tingling sensation appears on the cheeks.
3. The skin itches.
4. Small blisters filled with liquid form on scratched areas of the skin.
5. Rashes appear.
6. Body temperature rises.
7. The body is chilling.
8. General malaise.
9. Weakness.

A sore throat and headaches are often confused with a cold and the infection is not treated immediately.

The resulting blisters are located throughout the body, covering a large affected area. Bubbles in children are more pronounced than in adults. If herpes gingivitis or stomatitis develops, blisters form in the mouth.

Frequent manifestations of herpes can be observed with reduced immunity. A relapse can be caused by a stressful situation, a sharp change in climate, or the development of colds. It happens that exacerbation is preceded by diseases of the nervous system, stomach and intestines, and poor nutrition.

Infection with genital herpes in children occurs, but is very rare.

Is it possible to transmit the virus from an infected patient who does not have a rash?

Transmission of the virus is possible in this situation. If there are no rashes, this does not mean that there is no virus in the body. At this time, virus particles are found in cells and tissues, and most of them are destroyed by the body’s protective immune system. At the same time, individual particles of infection can predominate in tears, saliva, vaginal mucosa, and on the skin around a minor scratch.

The most significant transmission of infection is from mother to baby.

Since the contact between them is constant and closer than with other family members. Therefore, there is a high probability of transmitting the infection to the child, even if there is no relapse.

What is genital herpes?

Genital or genital herpes is a serious infectious disease. The center of the disease is located in the nerve cells of almost all organs. The pathology is considered common and belongs to the venereological group. The disease is not inherited.

The main route of transmission of the disease is through sexual contact, through kissing, as well as through common objects, that is, toys, dishes, towels, etc.

Interesting! According to statistics, more than 70% of people do not know that they are carriers of diseases. Thus, they pose a danger to others, without knowing it.

The incubation period is six to eight days. However, the infection reaches its peak only after a month and a half.

The disease is dangerous because it can constantly recur. The rash appears separately or in groups. Small bubbles appear on the skin and mucous membranes.

Most often, infection occurs from the mother

Genital herpes in children

The immunity of newborn children is weakened. That is why the first symptoms of the disease may appear as early as a week after birth.

The main symptom of the disease is hemorrhages resembling dots on the mucous membranes, bubbles with contents inside, and redness on the skin. Possible increased body temperature, diarrhea, vomiting.

Children become capricious and whiny

The symptoms listed above are considered dangerous. This condition often causes dehydration, internal organs begin to work poorly, and the brain suffers.

If genital herpes develops in children, treatment must be started promptly, otherwise numerous unpleasant complications may appear.

Chicken pox in children

In kindergartens and preschools, a child can become infected with type 3 of herpes - chickenpox. The course of the disease proceeds with an increase in temperature and deterioration of the whole organism as a whole. Rashes appear all over the body. First there are red dots, and then watery blisters. The child is not allowed to bathe; lubricate the blisters with brilliant green. After a week, crusts form on the areas of the rash, which then fall off. The general condition returns to normal.

The virus causes this type of herpes once in a lifetime. After final recovery, the infection remains in the body.

What consequences await children after infection?

Children under one year of age and newborns are protected from the virus. They receive immunity to herpes from their mother. After 2 years, the protective power disappears and the immune system weakens. Herpes occurs in children aged 3 years and older, since the immune system is still weak and is not able to fight infection. There are cases that the consequences of herpes transmission are serious complications that affect all organs and systems of the body. These include:

• damage to the eyeball;
• disease of the auricle, which often leads to deafness;
• herpetic diseases (gingivitis, stomatitis);
• damage to the cardiac and vascular system;
• damage to the nervous system and brain;
• damage to internal organs.

The complications are quite serious and very difficult to cope with. If children's immunity is not strengthened, then there is a threat to life or disability.

Possible complications of herpes type 6

In the absence of necessary treatment for a long time, convulsions occur in children with high fever.

Meningitis, pneumonia, or encephalitis may also develop. Because of this, the child may subsequently develop epilepsy.

The most dangerous consequences of this disease are in children with weakened immune systems or genetic predisposition.

In the future, type 6 herpes in children can provoke:

1. Multiple sclerosis is a pathology of the nervous system in which symptoms of neurosis occur. This leads to disturbances in memory, consciousness, concentration, and disorder of mental functions.
2. Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease in which the child’s body is covered with multiple red itchy spots. This condition requires constant treatment with medications.
3. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a common disease that disrupts the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The child also experiences metabolic disruptions, which causes drowsiness, fatigue, and can cause delays in growth and development.
4. Autoimmune thyroiditis is a disease of the endocrine system in which the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and cannot produce enough hormones. In the absence of special treatment, it can develop into hypothyroidism.
5. Liver failure is a serious pathology that requires constant medication. A new organ transplant may be required in the future.
6. Retrobulbar neuritis is a disease in which a person can completely lose visual acuity.
7. Cancer is a serious pathology in which organ cells are replaced by malignant formations. Herpes type 6 most often leads to leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma, cervical and even brain cancer.

Preventive measures for infection

All parents want to protect their baby from all diseases. Unfortunately, this is impossible to do. Communication with different people every day, a weak immune system in children, and failure to observe basic hygiene rules in the family, can therefore expose the child to frequent infections.

If one of your relatives suffers from herpes, it will be very difficult not to infect the rest of the family.

The question arises: “Is it possible to transmit herpes to a baby from the mother or father if the infection is already present?” It is worth knowing about such moments. Is it possible to infect children to strangers through contact with children in the garden? There is no clear answer. It all depends on the infection and how it will manifest itself.

Having an infection in the body, every parent thinks about how not to infect their child with herpes, since the disease will bother him all his life. In this case, to protect against herpes it is worth taking preventive measures. It is necessary to teach your child to avoid close contact with strangers.

Basic rules for disease prevention:

• limit contact with the child of people infected with herpes;
• quickly eliminate your infection to prevent transmission to your baby;
• it is necessary to harden children from an early age;
• wash your hands before eating;
• using a bandage if the mother is in contact with the baby;
• do not overcool;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• take vitamins.

The herpes virus is one of the most common pathogens of infectious diseases. Most people of all ages encounter it. Herpes poses the greatest danger to babies under one year old. Why does herpes infection occur in newborns and infants? How is the disease treated in infants?

Prevention methods

It is impossible to completely recover from herpes; it is always dormant in the body. To prevent a recurrence of herpes infection, it is necessary to constantly carry out disease prevention. Parents should provide the child with personal hygiene products (towel, toothbrush, soap), keep his hands clean, and not allow him to scratch abrasions and wounds. It is also necessary to maintain good nutrition and carry out vitamin prophylaxis in the spring and autumn. Hardening, swimming, and training have a positive effect on the immune system.

If there is a patient with herpes in the child’s environment, it is necessary to exclude contact with him.

Prevention of infection of newborns involves identifying the disease in pregnant women and treating them in a timely manner. If a pregnant woman is infected with genital herpes 6 weeks before the expected date of birth, a caesarean section is performed. Natural delivery is possible with infection from the first to second trimester. Regardless of gestational age, treatment is mandatory.

To prevent the child from becoming infected while passing through the birth canal, he is prescribed Acyclovir for prophylactic purposes.

Causes of herpes in infants and routes of infection

The herpes virus can remain in the human body throughout life and not manifest itself in any way. However, under certain conditions it is activated. In newborns and infants, the immune system is not fully developed, so they are sensitive to the effects of various infections. The main causes of herpes in infants include:

• weak immunity;
• failure to comply with hygiene rules when caring for a baby;
• infectious diseases in the mother during pregnancy;
• contact with a sick person.

Herpes in newborns is congenital; a baby can become infected with the infection from surrounding people. There are several main routes of infection for children under one year of age:

1. Placental. The child becomes infected with the virus while in the womb. The infection is able to overcome the placental barrier and penetrate into the intrauterine waters.
2. When passing through the birth canal. Most often, the baby is affected by a virus that is located on the mother’s genitals.
3. Mother's milk. An infection (for example, with herpes on the lips) can enter the child’s body during feeding (we recommend reading:).
4. Penetration of the virus by airborne droplets.
5. Direct contact. Relatives can transmit the infection to the baby through kissing or using common household items.
6. Organ transplantation or blood transfusion from a sick donor.

The herpes virus is easily transmitted through direct contact

Routes of infection

There are several ways of contracting herpes:

• intrauterine infection - occurs when a large number of viral particles are present in the body of the expectant mother. As a result, the fetus may develop malformations. This route of infection threatens premature birth or termination of pregnancy;
• ascending infection - through the mother's reproductive tract - the placenta and amniotic fluid to the child;
• antenatal infection - during the passage of a child through the infected birth canal of the mother. Infection occurs even with a chronic or sluggish process;
• contact with the outbreak is the most common method of transmission of infection in children of the first three years of life. At this age, children are very susceptible to the virus;
• household route - possible through bed linen, personal hygiene items of the infected person;
• sexual intercourse – typical for teenage children.

Types and symptoms of pathology in children under one year old

There are many varieties of the virus. Children are most often affected by type 6 of herpes. From the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms of the pathology, it can take from 2 days to 3 weeks. Types of herpes that affect children:

1. Herpes simplex virus. Usually manifests itself as rashes on the mucous membranes and lips.
2. Genital herpes. The rash is localized on the genitals.
3. The third type, which causes chickenpox and shingles in children (we recommend reading:). It can appear in a baby only if his mother did not have chickenpox, or he is bottle-fed after 6 months.
4. Epstein-Barr virus can lead to viral mononucleosis. Newborns rarely get this type of infection because they are protected by the mother's immune cells.
5. Cytomegalovirus. Dangerous for the fetus during pregnancy. It can cause a miscarriage or lead to the development of severe pathologies in the baby.
6. Roseola (we recommend reading:). Herpes type 6 causes a pink rash to form on a child's skin. In infants, the disease is accompanied by a number of severe symptoms.

Roseola rash (we recommend reading:)
Newborns and infants are most often exposed to the herpes simplex virus. Labial herpes manifests itself in children when infected with the first type of infection, genital herpes - with the first and second.

Congenital and acquired viruses in infants can take the following forms:

• localized;
• generalized;
• complicated by damage to the central nervous system.

Symptoms of localized herpes include:

• Rashes on the mucous membranes. Small blisters filled with fluid may be seen in the child's mouth and nose.
• A rash that has spread throughout the body. Blisters with pus can appear on the baby's lips, arms, legs, thighs, and genitals.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Increased body temperature;
• The baby becomes restless because the rash causes him discomfort with severe itching.

In the generalized form, the baby may not have a rash, but may have the following symptoms:

• high fever;
• frequent regurgitation;
• dyspnea;
• the child becomes lethargic and capricious;
• the skin takes on a bluish tint;
• the functioning of the liver and kidneys is disrupted;
• jaundice.

Damage to the central nervous system leads to the fact that the baby refuses to eat, the body temperature reaches 39-40 degrees, and convulsions appear. This form of the disease is very dangerous as it can be fatal.

The generalized form of herpes is diagnosed only with the help of laboratory tests, since the main symptom of the disease - rashes - may not be present

Diagnosis of the disease in children

As a rule, if bubbles filled with liquid appear on a child’s skin throughout the body, then upon examination a qualified specialist is able to make a diagnosis and prescribe a therapeutic course without additional laboratory tests. However, this does not apply to inexperienced parents trying to compare rashes with photos from the Internet.

To prescribe the most effective treatment, you will need to carry out a number of auxiliary manipulations that will allow you to properly treat herpes in children. More detailed diagnostics include:

1. General inspection. It consists of collecting information about the baby’s condition, living conditions and external symptoms of the disease.
2. Taking tests. The patient's blood, feces, urine and secretions from the mucous membranes are examined for the presence of the virus.
3. Histological examination of tissue samples. Performed if cancer is suspected.
4. Ultrasound and MRI. These procedures help determine the extent of damage to the brain and other internal organs.
5. Immunofluorescence study to study the liquid component of the vesicles.
6. Consultation of narrow specialists. Necessary to find out the reasons for the malfunction of the immune system.

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It is important to conduct an analysis for the presence of herpes in the blood of a child - the result of the study will show how seriously the disease has affected the child’s body (we recommend reading: how is herpes in the blood of a child treated?)

Diagnosis of herpetic infection

Before making a diagnosis, the doctor carefully examines the child for characteristic rashes. Herpes manifests itself as a red rash on the skin, which quickly takes the form of blisters with gradually cloudy liquid. To determine the type of virus or diagnosis without visible rashes, the following studies are prescribed:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• blood test to determine the type of herpes (immunological test, PCR, ELISA);
• fluid samples from rashes;
• smears from mucous membranes;
• scrapings from affected tissues;
• analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (for generalized infection);
• identifying the extent of damage to internal organs using ultrasound, CT, MRI.

Features of treatment in children under one year of age

When the first signs of infection appear in your baby, you should consult a specialist. For mild cases of the disease, treatment can be done at home.

However, if the illness is severe, the baby is hospitalized. The infection is serious and significantly reduces the child’s immunity. Self-medication is extremely dangerous.

Drug therapy

Conservative therapy for herpes is aimed at eliminating the source of infection, reducing discomfort, accelerating the healing of ulcers and reducing the intensity of associated symptoms. The treatment regimen is determined depending on the severity of the disease. The duration of therapy reaches 10-30 days. The table describes the main drugs that are used in the treatment of children.

It is necessary to treat the baby comprehensively. The use of antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs helps overcome the infection. Antihistamines and ointments reduce itching, antipyretics ease the baby’s general condition. For severe forms of infection, immunoglobulins are used.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies cannot have a significant effect on the herpes virus. Their use reduces discomfort and speeds up the body's recovery. Traditional methods of treatment should be used with caution, since some substances can cause allergies in the baby. When treating herpes, the following traditional medicine recipes are used:

• Lotions from celandine juice. Freshly cut clean stems of the plant are applied with the cut site to the affected areas of the skin for 3 minutes 2 times a day.
• Potato compresses. A small potato is peeled and grated on a fine grater. The pulp is wrapped in gauze and applied to the affected area.
• Ointment made from honey and mustard. 1 tbsp. honey mixed with 1 tsp. mustard, lubricate damaged areas.
• Apply sea buckthorn oil to the rash.
• When the first signs of herpes appear, apply toothpaste to the red spots.
• Compresses from calendula infusion. 1 tsp flowers, pour 100 ml of boiling water, leave for 1 hour. Moisten a cotton swab and apply it to wounds and ulcers.

At the initial stage of the disease, you can use toothpaste, which will dry out the rashes, preventing their further spread

Treatment options

The peculiarity of herpes is that it is impossible to completely cure the disease. After the initial infection, a person will be forced to periodically deal with relapses of the disease throughout his life.

However, to avoid complications, you should always promptly treat and eliminate existing symptoms. For this reason, you should not resort to self-medication; I rely on the advice of friends, photos from the Internet and other sources. The drug regimen with dosages and duration of the therapeutic course should be prescribed by a doctor.

Medications

The essence of treatment for herpes simplex, like any other type, comes down to complex therapy, which includes taking:

1. Antiviral drugs. There is no separate group of medications against herpes for young children. Regardless of the age at which the infection occurred - be it an infant under one year old, a 2-year-old baby or a child of 7 years old, the same drugs are used. Among them: Acyclovir, Zovirax and Famvir. They are available in the form of tablets or ointments. Tablets are prescribed to achieve a stronger effect. Usually, for the first three types of herpes, ointments are used, which are applied in a thin layer to the rash.
2. Immunomodulators. Restoration of the body's protective functions is required. Viferon, Cycloferon and Immunal are suitable for this.
3. Drugs that relieve external symptoms. To eliminate itching, burning and allergic reactions, antihistamines are used, for example, Suprastin, Zyrtec or Tavegil. To bring down a high temperature and relieve pain in muscles and joints, antipyretics should be given, such as Nurofen, Ibuprofen, and children's Paracetamol.

Traditional medicine

With the help of traditional medicine, you can also alleviate the condition of a patient with herpes and speed up his recovery. For this purpose, lotions, baths, and compresses are made using various medicinal plants. The most popular recipes for ointments, decoctions and other remedies are:

1. Garlic, apple and potato compress to relieve discomfort. To do this, you need to crush the garlic, take the apple pulp and grate the potatoes, wrap it all together in a bandage and apply it to the affected area.
2. Tincture of lemon balm or lemon balm leaves for oral administration. 2 tsp pour boiling water over the mixture. Used in 3 doses.
3. Tincture of celandine. You will need 1 tsp. celandine, a glass of boiling water. Using this tincture, ulcers and vesicles are washed.
4. Fresh juice or oil extract from the celandine herb. This natural remedy is applied to damaged skin areas several times a day.
5. Tincture of calendula flowers. Used for lotions.
6. Propolis tincture. They wipe her skin. Before use, dilute with water.

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Alcohol tincture of calendula flowers is very effective for external use for herpetic rashes

Diet

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of herpes. It has been scientifically proven that arginine proteins contribute to the activation of the virus, while lysine proteins, on the contrary, prevent this. As a result, the patient’s diet should be enriched with products containing lysine and those containing arginine should be excluded. The first include:

• shrimps;
• sea ​​fish;
• milk or natural yoghurt.

You should reduce your consumption of foods such as:

• chocolate;
• nuts and seeds;
• grains and legumes.

It is also important to support the immune system. To do this, you should include in your diet:

• ginger;
• lemon;
• onion;
• garlic.

It is necessary to constantly monitor the baby’s health and give him natural immunostimulants in small quantities.

Possible complications

Congenital herpes in a newborn is dangerous because it can take a latent form and not manifest itself until a certain point. In infants, the virus most often occurs in the first month of life due to intrauterine infection or after 6 months. Infection in children under one year of age often occurs with complications.

The child’s weak immunity is not able to resist, so even timely treatment does not always save from the consequences. Possible complications:

• damage to the kidneys, liver, heart;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• stomatitis;
• infection of the eye membranes;
• deterioration of hearing and vision;
• encephalitis;
• meningitis;
• paralysis;
• herpetic pneumonia;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• vascular damage, blood clot formation;
• angina;
• hepatitis;
• dysfunction of hematopoiesis.

In infants, herpes often occurs with complications, so treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Age characteristics

There are age-related features - neonatal or congenital herpes are separately distinguished. It is transmitted from the mother with an acute course of herpetic infection and occurs, as a rule, in a generalized form with herpetic stomatitis. The pathology requires immediate initiation of effective treatment, otherwise it is fraught with deadly complications.

In children under 3 years of age, the disease process can also be generalized, and necessarily occurs with tonsillitis and rashes on the skin around the mouth, as well as a very high fever that lasts 5-7 days. In children of preschool and school age, there is no tendency to generalization or severity of the course, with the exception of severe immunodeficiency states.

Preventive actions

The herpes virus is quickly transmitted to a child from a sick person. In this regard, to prevent the baby from getting sick, it is necessary to take the necessary preventive measures.

herpetic infection

Herpes is a viral infection caused by different types of herpes virus. It is characterized by rashes in the form of small, crowded blisters on the mucous membranes and skin. The disease is dangerous due to complications for infants and during intrauterine infection.

How to treat herpes in children? The herpes virus cannot be cured forever if it has already entered the body. It can only be calmed down, muffled. A person has the genetic ability of the immune system to fight the herpes virus. In one child, herpes appears every three months, in another - once a year, and in a third it does not “wake up” at all. Sooner or later, every child becomes infected with one or another type of herpes virus. It is believed that 100% of the population of our planet has cytomegalovirus, and the herpes simplex virus occurs in 90% of people.

Therapeutic scheme for influencing the virus

Herpes in children manifests itself in localized and generalized forms. Doctors point out that the course of the localized form of the virus is different in that the rashes are localized on the body in a certain place and can be of varying degrees of intensity.

In the absence of proper therapy, external rashes threaten to develop into a generalized, complicated form.

Only a specialist can diagnose herpes, especially for those rashes that appear on the body. As a rule, during the period of blistering rashes, the diagnosis leaves no doubt and doctors prescribe the following as the main therapy:

• children, starting from newborn age, are necessarily prescribed specific antiviral drugs; acyclovir in the form of intravenous injections is considered an effective remedy; the dose is calculated by the pediatrician individually for each small patient;
• in case of a localized form of the virus, medications are prescribed in tablet form, and the dosage is also calculated individually by the doctor;
• treatment of localized rashes on the child’s body with antiviral ointments; doctors prescribe ointments based on acyclovir or penciclovir, applied 4-5 times per knock;
• immunoglobulins are prescribed to children in order to destroy herpes infection in the generalized form of the disease, as well as to prevent complications of a viral infection;
• antipyretic drugs for symptoms of fever in the baby.
• immunomodulators are prescribed to correct immunity and strengthen the child’s body’s defenses;
• antihistamines are prescribed to children if the child experiences severe itching in the area of ​​the rash on the body.

Doctors point out that herpes in a child should be treated while maintaining an increased drinking regimen. The baby is given as much liquid as possible - this helps the virus to be “washed out” from the body faster.

Causes

In an inactive state, the virus lives in nerve cells. Under the influence of what factors is it activated?

• Constant fatigue.
• Great physical activity.
• Stress.
• Emotional overload.
• ARVI and other diseases.
• Exposure to ultraviolet rays, overheating.
• Drying of mucous membranes.
• Frequent hypothermia.
• Injuries to mucous membranes and skin.
• Poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency.

But still, the main reason is a decrease in the body’s protective properties. With weak immunity in children, the herpes virus progresses, affecting large areas of the body and mucous membranes. The weaker the immune system, the more severe the herpes infection.

Does a child have innate immunity to herpes?

Young children are much more likely to get herpes due to the lack of immunity to this infection. From the moment of primary infection, the production of antibodies begins in the child’s blood. Immunity is formed to a specific type of herpetic pathogen that has entered the body. However, this is not a 100% guarantee that the disease will not return.

After recovery, the herpesvirus infection remains in the nerve cells. Under certain conditions, it can begin to reproduce again. As a result, people suffer from herpes many times throughout their lives. Factors contributing to its reappearance:

• colds, acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections;
• poor nutrition and lack of vitamins;
• overheat;
• severe stress;
• entry into the body of a large number of active pathogens of the virus.

About 5% of children are born with innate immunity to herpes infection. It is genetically determined and inherited by the child from the parents. However, this does not completely exclude the possibility of getting sick. Activation of the virus can occur when exposed to a significant amount of it.

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How does infection occur?

The herpetic virus is highly contagious, that is, infectious. The main transmission routes are airborne and contact. A person is considered to be most contagious during the period of rash. Where and how can you most often get infected? In everyday life, if there are carriers of the virus in the house, strict rules of personal hygiene are not observed. You can become infected through shared towels, dishes, and unwashed hands. If infection has occurred, this does not mean that the child will immediately develop a fever on the lip. The virus can only become active under favorable conditions—a weakened immune system.

Types of Herpes

There are about 80 (according to some sources about 100) herpes viruses. Medical science describes 8 types of herpes, which are capable of causing various types of herpes infection. They may differ in symptoms, duration, and severity of the disease.

• Herpes type 1. Herpes simplex virus, which causes rashes on the lips (fever), on the wings of the nose, around the mouth, and on the oral mucosa. One of the most common types.
• Herpes type 2. Affects the mucous membranes of the genitals. It is less common than herpes type 1. Sometimes viruses 1 and 2 appear simultaneously. Infection most often occurs during passage through the birth canal. In boys, the glans penis is affected; in girls, the mucous membrane of the labia is affected. Genital herpes in children causes severe itching. This type of virus is also capable of causing herpetic sore throats and stomatitis.
• Herpes type 3. The famous chickenpox caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of chickenpox in children in our other article. A variant of the lesion may be herpetic herpes zoster. It most often occurs in adults who are repeatedly infected with Varicella Zoster.
• Herpes type 4 in children. Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis. A severe disease affecting the lymphoid system. With infectious mononucleosis, the following symptoms are observed: fever, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, swelling of the adenoids, enlarged spleen and liver. The disease is dangerous due to complications and leads to weakened immunity. The final diagnosis is established only after a blood test and detection of atypical mononuclear cells.
• Herpes type 5. Causes cytomegalovirus infection. This type of herpes first occurs in a child at the age of 2, when he begins attending the nursery group of a kindergarten. Less common is intrauterine infection with cytomegalovirus, which entails serious consequences and developmental disorders. Cytomegalovirus infection may not manifest itself for a long time. A child may be a virus carrier. When cytomegalovirus is activated, symptoms similar to infectious mononucleosis occur. However, the lymph nodes and tonsils are not affected. It is treated in the same way as other types of herpes virus - with antiherpetic drugs. Extremely dangerous for pregnant women.
• Herpes type 6. Herpes virus type 6 in children causes roseola, or sudden exanthema. This disease is also called pseudorubella. A characteristic symptom is small pink papules on the skin that turn pale when pressed. At the beginning of the disease, the temperature rises, but there is no cough or runny nose. The child recovers quickly. Herpes type 6 in children often misleads doctors: there seemed to be an acute onset, an increase in temperature, but no catarrhal signs followed. First, a diagnosis of acute respiratory viral infection or acute respiratory infection is made, and only after the appearance of a rash suspicions arise: is it rubella or roseola? Often, a rash with sudden exanthema is confused with allergic rashes.
• Herpes types 7 and 8. Viruses of a new generation, recently discovered. There is an assumption that they cause chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and cancer.

If a blood test reveals antibodies to any type of virus, this indicates that the pathogen has already entered the body and the immune system has successfully dealt with it. If there are antibodies, but there are no rashes on the skin or mucous membranes, the disease does not need to be treated.

Herpes simplex virus in children

photo of herpes on a child's lip

The herpes simplex virus is the most common pathogen of all members of the herpesvirus family. HSV is considered the initiator of viral lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, but can cause infection of various organs, which is less common.

Severe common forms of herpesvirus infection in children are a consequence of immunodeficiency. In addition, frequent relapses of various forms of herpes simplex in a child also indicate insufficient activity of some parts of the immune system.

Herpes simplex causes carriage among 90% of adults, but infection occurs during childhood, and infection occurs before the age of 6 years.

At the same time, symptoms of herpes virus infection are observed among 10-20% of people. Given the global decline in normal immune activity among the population, the herpes simplex virus is responsible for increasing incidence rates. Herpes-associated diseases are also considered markers of HIV infection.

Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2 have a common antigenic composition. But predominantly viral lesions during infection with the first type spread to the skin and mucous membranes of the upper half of the body, or rather the lips, oral cavity, nose, and eyes. The second type most often affects the mucous membrane of the genital organs and rectum, as well as the skin of the perineum and genitals. Both viruses can cause specific inflammatory reactions on both the face and genitals.

Important!

Herpes virus type 2 in children during the neonatal period causes generalized infections involving many organs.

Mechanisms of HSV transmission and pathogenesis

Routes of transmission of the virus:

• airborne;
• contact;
• transmission through the placenta;
• infection during childbirth from a sick mother.

The source of infection is only a person and for a child it most often becomes the mother. Infection is observed during childbirth in the presence of a genital form of herpes with localization of rashes in the cervix, vagina and vulva.

In an infant, herpesvirus infection caused by HSV types 1 and 2 is rare. This is due to the presence of protective immunoglobulins, which were transmitted from the mother during fetal development. Antibodies have a protective effect for 12 months. But the required quantity and the required quality are not always observed. Therefore, herpes in newborns and children under one year old is not excluded, and when infected, it is more severe than in older people.

The manifestations of a viral infection depend on the age of the child at the time of infection. As a rule, herpesvirus diseases are most severe in newborns. In case of intrauterine infection, the outcome is determined by the timing of infection of the fetus.

When a child is initially infected with the herpes simplex virus, the following processes occur in stages:

• Adsorption of a viral particle on an epithelial cell of the mucous membrane or skin.
• Intracellular proliferation leading to cell death, which leads to inflammation and the appearance of characteristic vesicles.
• The herpes virus penetrates the blood and lymph, spreading to various organs and tissues.
• HSV spreads along nerve fibers and nodes, penetrating into the nuclei of nerve cells.
• After active reproduction in neurons, HSV returns along nerve fibers to the skin and mucous membranes, leading to new rashes.
• A normal immune response in a child leads to the destruction of the herpes virus in organ tissues, but in the nerve ganglia HSV remains for life, causing exacerbations.
• Relapses are caused by defects in the T-cell component of immunity and insufficient production of the interferon fraction.
• The virus penetrates the skin and mucous membranes along nerve endings and fibers, leading to an exacerbation in the form of rashes.

Important!

The more pronounced the child’s immunodeficiency, the larger the area of ​​skin and mucous membranes affected by the virus, as well as the more frequent exacerbations.

Severe immunodeficiency in children causes damage to the brain, lungs, and liver.

Symptoms of HSV infection in children

photo of herpes rash in a child

The herpes virus in a child over one year of age most often affects the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, pharynx, and eyes. The disease is milder than in infants. However, the severity of the primary infection is determined by the state of the cellular component of immunity.

The incubation period when a child is first infected with the herpes simplex virus lasts from 2 to 12 days. The first meeting, as a rule, occurs in a moderate form, since there are no protective antibodies.

The most common form of herpes simplex in preschool children is herpetic stomatitis.

Signs:

• acute onset;
• chills, high temperature;
• excessive salivation;
• refusal to eat, loss of appetite;
• swelling and hyperemia gradually forms on the tonsils and arches;
• the mucous membrane of the cheeks, hard and soft palate, tongue swells and turns red, this process is accompanied by pain;
• on the gum, on the inside of the cheek, as well as on the tongue and palate, bubbles begin to appear, surrounded by a red rim, which quickly open, forming ulcers covered with fibrin - a gray-yellow or white coating (aphthae);
• groups of herpetic vesicles (herpetic sore throat) are also detected on the tonsils, then a white-gray coating appears, which is easily removed;
• periods of rising temperature are accompanied by the appearance of new rashes in the mouth;
• cervical lymph nodes enlarge.

The duration of the disease depends on the layer of bacterial infection. Often, bacterial infectious herpes is accompanied by a layer of staphylococci and streptococci, and thrush. The causes of microbial complications include both superinfection and the result of activation of local opportunistic flora against the background of suppression of immunity by viruses.

The question of how many days will it take for childhood herpes in the mouth to go away worries all parents, since the disease brings suffering to the child. The average duration of herpetic stomatitis in children is 7-10 days.

After the first episode of herpes, the child develops antibodies that circulate for life, meaning that the infection has been transferred and immunity has been formed. The herpes virus is in an inactive state in the nearest nerve fibers. When the body's resistance is suppressed, a relapse occurs. During an exacerbation, the skin of children is most often affected.

Secondary herpes in a child manifests itself as follows:

• around the mouth, under the nose, on the chin, on the wings of the nose, lips against the background of itching, heat, hyperemic lesions gradually appear;
• less often, the eyelids and other areas of the face are involved in the process;
• at the site of redness, groups of bubbles with transparent contents form;
• vesicles can open or dry out without damaging their integrity;
• a crust forms, often soaked in blood;
• foci of herpes in a child can be complicated by a bacterial or fungal infection, then the surface becomes yellow, brown, gray-yellow;
• as the disease progresses, rashes appear in different places on the face;
• body temperature may be normal or moderately high.

Herpes ends with the scabs falling off. No scars remain, with the exception of complicated and necrotic forms. The duration for mild cases is 5-12 days. With the common form, the child recovers in 2-3 weeks.

Genital viral herpes in children is rarely reported. Infection usually occurs through intrafamily contact. Typical herpetic rashes appear on the genitals. The disease is prone to frequent exacerbations.

Damage to the eyes, nervous system, and organs is observed in weakened children.

HSV during pregnancy and childbirth

Recurrences of genital herpes in pregnant women can cause infection of the fetus and child during childbirth. With isolated exacerbations, herpes does not pose a danger, with the exception of the process of natural childbirth. If the rash appears more than 3 times during the gestation period, the antibodies may not cope with their task and the virus will enter the fetal bloodstream.

The most dangerous is considered to be infection of the fetus during primary infection with herpes during pregnancy, when there is no protective titer of antibodies. In 70% of cases, infection of children is observed when women have asymptomatic genital herpes, in which the virus is located in the cervical canal and vagina.

The herpes virus, when affecting fetal tissue for up to 12 weeks, can lead to non-developing pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage. At periods greater than 14 weeks, signs of intrauterine infection are observed. The fetus begins to lag behind in development, gross malformations may be observed in the form of:

• micro or hydrocephalus;
• anomalies in the formation of tubular organs (esophagus, intestines, vagina in girls);
• structural anomalies of the organ of vision and hearing.

The consequences for a child of HSV infection after childbirth depend on the severity of the herpetic infection. With signs of pneumonia, damage to the liver and gastrointestinal tract, and skin manifestations, as a rule, the prognosis is favorable. If the nervous system is involved in the process, consequences may develop in the form of delayed physical and mental development, paralysis, blindness and deafness.

The question of why herpes in a child’s blood is dangerous is of concern to every parent who has encountered a congenital infection or postnatal infection. If generalization of the infection occurs - the spread of the herpes virus into the blood and throughout various organs, then the outcome may be unfavorable. Damage to parenchymal organs and the nervous system does not exclude death.

Clinic for a newborn

Herpesvirus infection in children infected from sick mothers during childbirth begins to manifest itself clinically after 3-6 days. In the morbidity structure, 80% of newborns become ill due to infection with HSV 2, 20% - HSV type 1.

Premature babies get sick more often.

The herpes virus in infants manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• moderate fever with gradual increase;
• decreased appetite, regurgitation;
• lethargy, lethargy or excessive excitability;
• jaundice;
• dyspnea;
• herpetic rash on the skin and mucous membranes (not always);
• diarrhea;
• convulsions;
• paralysis and paresis.

Quite often, newborn children develop encephalitis due to the penetration of the virus into the blood.

As the herpes infection progresses, the infant's pancreas, kidneys and adrenal glands are affected.

Treatment of herpes

Treatment of herpes infection in children is carried out at the initial stage of the disease. If 3 days have passed since the bubbles appeared, there is no point in using special medications. Treatment is usually prescribed if the virus recurs frequently, the rash lasts a long time, and spreads to other parts of the body.

• Antiherpetic drugs. They come in the form of ointments, creams, gels, tablets and injections. The most effective treatment for chronic forms of herpes is not local treatment, but oral administration of drugs. This allows you to increase the concentration of the substance in the blood. The discovery of acyclovir was a major event in medicine. To date, this is the most effective cure for the herpes virus. The most well-known drugs: Acyclovir, Gerpevir, Famacyclovir, Virolex, Tebrofen, Vidarabine, Riodoxol, Zovirax. Phosphonoformat and Ganciclovir are used to treat cytomegalovirus infection.
• The use of antiviral and immunostimulating agents. They quickly stop the action of the virus and prevent it from infecting other areas of the skin. The doctor may prescribe: “Arpetol”, “Immunal”, “Groprinosin”. The insidiousness of the herpes virus is that when it is active, the body does not produce interferon, as happens with other viruses. Therefore, the doctor prescribes the drug “Interferon” by injection. Medicines that stimulate the production of natural interferon are also used: Neovir, Cycloferon.
• Vitamin therapy. The body needs to help cope with the virus and strengthen the immune system. For this, the doctor prescribes a complex of vitamins. Vitamin C, a group of B vitamins, and calcium are especially useful. A tincture of Eleutherococcus is indicated, which increases the overall tone of the body, strengthens the immune system, improves the functioning of the nervous system, and relieves physical, emotional and mental fatigue.
• Antipyretics and bed rest. With infectious mononucleosis, roseola, and chickenpox, the temperature rises. It is necessary to monitor the child’s condition and bring down the temperature above 38.5 °C. You also need to give your child to drink as much as possible. The air in the room should be fresh, cool and humid.
• Antihistamines. Prescribed for severe itching and extensive skin lesions. The most commonly used drugs are: “Erius”, “Fenistil”, “Claritin”, “Gismanal”, “Ketitofen”, “Terfen”, “Cetrin”.

The essence of treating herpes in children is to suppress the virus and reduce its activity. There is no cure for the herpes virus. A pediatrician treats chickenpox, sudden exanthema, infectious mononucleosis, and cytomegalovirus. If the rashes are too frequent, cause discomfort, severe itching, you should consult a pediatric immunologist. The doctor will prescribe special immunological tests.

Treatment

How to quickly get rid of herpes on the face? In order to prevent infection at an early stage, it is recommended to use herpes ointments on the face at the first signs of itching and tingling. It is necessary to smear tingling areas regularly. With the constant presence of the ointment on the affected area, the virus is blocked in the subcutaneous environment where it multiplies. This will allow you to get rid of herpes on your face in the shortest possible time.

Many people wonder how to treat herpes on the face if the disease has progressed to a deeper form. To do this, there is a set of drugs that must be used simultaneously:

• Immunomodulators. These drugs are necessary to stimulate the immune system so that it helps us fight viruses.
• Symptom relievers. These include: antipyretics, painkillers, wound healing medications. You can use such products as: Nurofen, Paracetamol, Rescue Balm and others.
• Antiviral. You can take pills for herpes, such as Famvir or Valtrex. And also injections, for example – Foscarnet. All antiviral medications should be prescribed only by the attending physician; such medications are taken in severe forms of the disease and only under the supervision of a specialist.
• Herpes ointment. Gerpivir is considered a good ointment, but you should also pay attention to Zovirax or Acyclovir.

Features of herpes infection in infants

Herpes in infants is rare. Primary infection with herpes in a child can occur at 1 year of age, when the mother’s antibodies no longer protect against the virus. Herpes of any type in infancy is dangerous with complications. The organs of hearing and vision, cardiac, genitourinary and nervous systems are primarily affected. The virus can lead to hepatitis, pneumonia, inflammation of the membranes of the brain and the development of herpetic encephalitis, meningitis, mental disorders, and impaired reproductive function. Also, children often develop lesions of the oral mucosa - stomatitis - against the background of a herpetic infection. They can be severe and require long-term treatment.

If there are infants and adults in the house who suffer from herpes infection, you need to adhere to strict preventive measures during rashes:

• put on a gauze bandage;
• do not kiss the child;
• do not touch the bubbles, wash your hands often;
• use individual dishes.

Herpes in a child most often occurs on the lips, around the mouth, on the wings of the nose, and on the oral mucosa. Less often - on the body, cases of genital herpes are even less common. The disease is effectively treated with antiherpetic drugs. Herpes is dangerous due to the following complications: herpetic eczema, encephalitis, mental disorders, inflammation of internal organs.

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I will not write in this article about what herpes is. Most likely, many of you know about him first-hand, especially me. Herpes, one might say, is my frequent guest. But I have a small son (7 months), naturally, I am afraid of infecting him.

In general, is it possible to infect a child with herpes?

?

I turned to our pediatrician with this question and this is what I found out.

Herpes in an infant

- this is a very rare case, since along with breast milk the baby receives maternal antibodies that fight any viruses.
Therefore , viral herpes in children
most often occurs after one year of age.

Usually, we adults rarely pay attention to the bubble on our lip. Well, he jumped out, then he will pass on his own. It's OK. But no! This is a big mistake!

Herpes is a viral infection that is transmitted not only through physical contact, but also through airborne droplets. You sit, talk to the baby, coo with him, and at this time insidious viruses escape from your mouth and infect the baby.

And childhood herpes

is a dangerous disease that affects not only the affected area of ​​the body, but the entire body as a whole.

As a rule, a child who gets herpes for the first time experiences an increase in body temperature, headache, general fatigue and drowsiness.

On a certain area of ​​the body, usually the lips and wings of the nose, red spots appear, which then turn into pimples with clear liquid and then, after 5 days, they become covered with a crust. After just 9 days, the crusts disappear and the child recovers.

Sometimes viral herpes in children

localized on the forehead, cheeks, fingers and even the genitals. Sounds awful!

How to prevent herpes infection?

Very simple. Whenever your grandparents or other relatives come to visit you, ask them about their well-being in advance. Explain to them that there is no need to be offended by this, because the little one’s health is at stake.

And if their health makes you suspicious, ask them to come next time or, in extreme cases (too touchy mother-in-law), ask them to wear an antimicrobial mask. But if infection does occur, consult a doctor for further treatment.

It is known that herpes is transmitted in different ways; both men and women can become infected at any age. You can often become infected with the virus through contact with someone who is sick. Once a pathogen enters the body, it remains in the body for life. The pathogen is able to move into nerve cells and remain there in an inactive state. The latent form persists for a long time until the immune system weakens.

Herpes pathogens

There are 8 types of virus. Each herpes simplex virus causes a specific disease. The causative agents of herpesvirus and disease are described in the table:

The herpes virus affects the human body forever.
Herpes viruses have their own ways of transmitting herpes from person to person. The pathogen is resistant to the environment. It exists outside the carrier and settles on everyday objects. It is possible to become infected with the herpes virus on the street and at home. Most often, infection occurs by airborne droplets. Considering all types of herpes transmission, you can see that they are not significantly different. Once herpes enters the body, it remains forever.

Herpes virus on lips

The most contagious type of disease for others. Transmission is likely because the pathogen has good persistence outside the body for a short period of time. Any method of infection is possible. Herpes on the lips is transmitted in the following ways:

• Direct contact. The patient touches the site of infection on the lip, the virus gets on the hands, handshakes, hugs, contact sports.
• Domestic. Under the same conditions, the virus gets onto public items and hygiene items. The virus gets onto dishes, furniture or skin, through the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose.
• Airborne - through sneezing and coughing.

Infection through a kiss in the early stages of the disease, when there are no clinical symptoms yet, is also possible. After recovery, kissing is not recommended for 1-2 weeks.

On the genitals: how not to infect your partner

Transmission of the virus to the genitals occurs in most cases through sexual contact. Women are more likely to be infected by a partner than men. Ways of infection with herpes:

• Airborne transmission is extremely rare.
• Contact household - almost never.
• Through sexual contact - occurs during any type of sexual relationship (oral, vaginal, anal).

Herpes penetrates the placenta.
The virus from the mucous membranes is transmitted through blood vessels if there are damaged areas on the skin, for example, if kissing. Possible transmission in utero to the fetus during pregnancy. In 50% of cases, after birth, a child is diagnosed with a disease if the virus has penetrated the placenta. If transmission of the pathogen in utero does not occur, the child may become infected through contact with infected skin areas during childbirth. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is very dangerous for a newborn, as it primarily affects the child’s nervous system.

Herpes on the body

HSV-3, which causes contact skin diseases, chickenpox and shingles, is no less contagious. Infection with the virus is possible through saliva, sweat, and tears. In children, chickenpox causes a mild form of the disease; 90% of children's groups (kindergartens, schools) become ill. In such conditions, it is possible to get sick while in the same room with a sick person. After 10-14 days, the disease becomes latent and the virus ceases to be infectious.

In adults, cutaneous herpes is transmitted in the form of lichen; it is possible to infect a person through close contact with a sick person. It is unlikely to get sick in any other way, since this virus is extremely unstable outside the host’s body. It can be transmitted through blood if it gets on the mucous membrane or exposed parts of the skin of a healthy person. Herpes in the blood is in a reactive phase when clinical symptoms appear and remains for several days after recovery.

Herpes: photo

?

How is herpes transmitted?

Herpes, which occurs on the skin of the face, the red border of the lips and the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (herpes simplex virus).

Herpes virus type 2 . causing a generalized infection often leads to herpetic pneumonia in the newborn. If it is accompanied by a fungal or bacterial infection, the prognosis for survival is unfavorable.

Photo of herpes

However, when exposed to certain factors (which are described below), the virus is activated and again moves along the nerve trunks to the surface of the skin, where it causes blisters, ulcers and sores. Relapses can occur once a year or twice a year (sometimes more often), depending on the state of the immune system and nervous system.

Herpes virus type 1 can lead to conjunctivitis, keratitis and iridocyclitis. The most serious complications are dysfunction of the central nervous system - herpetic encephalitis, meningitis, peripheral neuritis, paralysis of the limbs. The virus can affect the kidneys, liver, and joints.

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.

Herpes of the second type in the case of intrauterine infection of the fetus is much more dangerous. The most severe course of the disease occurs in children infected during the prenatal period. The first symptoms of a child who falls ill in the early stages of pregnancy are observed 48-72 hours after birth - a rash all over the body, fever.

Symptoms: pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light in one eye (if one eye is affected), feeling of “sand in the eyes.” It must be borne in mind that eye herpes is very dangerous, and untimely or incorrect treatment can lead not only to dryness of the cornea and the appearance of scars on it, but also to deterioration of vision, constant pain, and even blindness and loss of the eye.

It must be remembered that enteral administration of Acyclovir is often ineffective.

foci of herpes can appear on any part of the facial skin, which is usually associated with a violation of the integrity of the skin (scratches, cuts, abrasions). Typical localization is herpes on the cheeks and nose, earlobes, chin, and forehead. The skin around the eyes can also be affected, but we have identified this type of lesion in a separate column.

Registration at this stage of a recurrence of herpes or a primary infection will allow in the future, if the child develops corresponding complications, to quickly determine their correct cause.

lips and skin around the mouth are the most common localization of herpes. The blisters that appear on the skin and red border of the lips burst and dry out after 2-3 days. The affected surface becomes covered with crusts that last for 7 to 10 days. Under no circumstances should the crusts be peeled off, because... Removing the crusts can also lead to a new outbreak of herpes.

In most cases, a child becomes infected with herpes through interaction with peers or adults who are carriers of the virus.

In total, about 8 herpes-type viruses can occur in humans. 3 of them have not yet been studied, or are similar in characteristics and structure to the 5 main ones - herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus. Children can get any of them, but the symptoms on the lips, often called “colds,” are caused by the herpes simplex virus.

In children of a later age, the symptoms of herpes 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 symptoms for a cold and start fighting the wrong infection.

Malformations of the heart, liver, nervous system, and pancreas may be detected. After a few days, jaundice joins the symptoms of herpes. The color of stool becomes white and urine becomes dark. Ulcers and rashes are observed on the genitals. If left untreated, convulsions, refusal to eat, and diathesis may begin. Next, herpesvirus pneumonia develops with a high degree of mortality.

Severe primary infection in the mother requires immediate treatment with acyclovir at any time.

For detailed information about the most effective treatment regimens for herpes of this localization, read the article: “How to quickly get rid of herpes on the lip”

For more effective therapy, immunoglobulins to the herpes virus are prescribed intravenously, as well as Viferon suppositories 150 thousand units. 1 time per day for 5-7 days.

The immunoglobulins Pentaglobin, Sandoglobin, Intraglobin, Cytotec, Octagam are very effective in combating herpes infection in children. 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.

Among the folk remedies for the treatment of herpes in children, decoctions and infusions of St. John's wort and licorice are used. They promote rapid healing of ulcers at the site of the rash.

Health to you! With UV. team of the site VashDermatolog.ru

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.

Preventive measures . directed against genital herpes are as follows:

The virus can survive on toys or hygiene items for up to several days, so it is very easy to become infected with herpes in places where children gather.

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:

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 the child’s immunity is reduced, as well as in the absence of treatment, the herpes simplex virus can cause serious complications - damage to the gastrointestinal tract, pharyngitis, stomatitis, which occurs in a severe form. Ulcerations of the intestines, especially the rectum, are often observed.

Prevention of herpes