How did my baby get a cold sore?
They can spread through saliva, skin-to-skin contact, or by touching an object handled by someone infected with the virus. When a child develops a cold sore for the first time (also called primary HSV), the blisters often spread beyond the lips to the mouth and gums.
How do I know if my baby has a cold sore?
What are the symptoms of cold sores in a child?
- A small blister or group of blisters on the lips and mouth that get bigger, leak fluid, then crust over.
- Tingling, itching, and irritation of the lips and mouth.
- Soreness of the lips and mouth that may last from 3 to 7 days.
Are cold sores bad for babies?
Cold sores pose the highest risk to infants during the first weeks of their lives. The herpes virus can cause severe problems at this stage and may even be fatal if it spreads to the organs, including the eyes, brain, or lungs.
What happens if a 4 month old gets a cold sore?
But if your baby is younger than 3 months old and he gets any kind of mouth sore, call his doctor right away. In young babies, in particular, the herpes virus can spread to the brain and other organs, causing serious, potentially permanent or fatal damage.
When is a cold sore contagious to a baby?
After birth You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Cold sores and other blisters caused by the herpes virus are at their most contagious when they burst. They remain contagious until completely healed.
Can baby get cold sore on cheek?
Babies with cold sores can get a skin rash just like adults. They might get just a few blisters or an angry pink or red rash around their mouth. Babies might also have blisters on or inside their lips. Occasionally, it might also spread to their chin or cheeks.
Can I kiss my baby on the cheek with a cold sore?
You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Cold sores and other blisters caused by the herpes virus are at their most contagious when they burst. They remain contagious until completely healed.
What happens if my baby touched my cold sore?
The virus spreads through saliva or skin-to-skin contact or by touching an object that was handled by someone infected with the virus. “If you have a cold sore, don’t kiss the baby because it can definitely be transmitted to their skin,” says Roxanne MacKnight, a family physician in Miramichi, NB.