Increasingly, doctors are registering various forms of herpetic infections in babies. These diseases have a chronic course, which requires mandatory monitoring by parents and doctors. Not everyone knows what the symptoms and treatment of herpes are in children.
Virus types
Currently, scientists have discovered 8 types of viral herpes. These harmful microorganisms very easily cause herpes infection in young children. The structure of only three subtypes out of eight is well studied. They are the most detailed and studied. These infectious agents most often cause manifestations of "colds" on the lips and in the intimate area in babies.
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 children's practice, the most common 8 subspecies of viruses that cause various damage to the baby:
- Type 1. More often they contribute to the development of various rashes in the child on the mucous membranes of the lips.
- Type 2. Causes a rash on the mucous membranes of the genitals.
- Type 3. Refers 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. Is the culprit in 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. Researchers are currently studying the properties of this microorganism. There is scientific evidence that this particular subspecies is responsible for the development of sudden skin rashes in the baby and leads to the development of chronic fatigue.
- Type 8. A rather unfavorable subspecies 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 (contagious). Herpes is no exception. A sick person who has a high concentration of viruses in the blood is contagious. Based on the statistics, it can be noted that the largest number of cases of the disease is caused by the herpes simplex subtype. It contributes to the development of adverse symptoms of herpes infection in 90% of children.
For a long time, the child may not even suspect that he is already infected with herpes. In this case, the infection proceeds in a latent form. With this variant of the disease, there are no symptoms. The latent form occurs in about 5% of babies.
Usually, the herpes virus infection occurs through initial contact with an infected person. The incubation period for different subtypes of the virus can be different. The first symptoms of the disease can appear both after a couple of days after the pathogen enters the child's body, and after several months.
The length of the incubation period depends on many factors and input 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 slightly expressed (or absent altogether) - for a long period of time. They usually appear only when the immune system is not working properly.
The incubation period for herpes simplex 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, causes uncomfortable symptoms, usually after 6-7 days. Shingles have a longer incubation period. In some cases, it can be several months (or even years).
The main symptoms
Different subtypes of viruses can settle on different mucous membranes. This leads to 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 babies in different ways.
Herpes can cause the following clinical manifestations in a child:
- Increased body temperature. It usually rises to febrile values. The peak of elevated temperature occurs in the first 3-4 days from the onset of the acute period of the disease. The temperature usually drops quickly. For normalization, the appointment of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs is required.
- The appearance of a rash. It is represented by a set of numerous formations, inside which there is a liquid. These rashes look like bubbles filled with contents. The localization of the rash is determined by the type of virus that caused the disease.
- Swollen lymph nodes. Regional lymph collectors are usually affected. If the virus causes a rash on the upper half of the body, then the process will involve the cervical, parotid, submandibular and subclavian lymph nodes. They increase in size, become tightly adhered to the skin. When feeling them, the child may experience soreness.
- Severe symptoms of intoxication. The abundance of viral toxins has a toxic effect on the entire body. The child feels "overwhelmed", becomes very lethargic. Babies have impaired appetite and sleep. Babies often refuse breastfeeding.
- Behavior change. Kids are becoming more moody. Children of the first years of life do not make contact well. More severe forms of the course of the disease lead to an increase in drowsiness. The unbearable itching of skin rashes contributes to increased anxiety and nervousness in the baby.
- Soreness in places of herpetic vesicles. Herpes rash usually itches very badly. With the herpes zoster, soreness spreads along the damaged nerve. After the disappearance of the rash, the pain syndrome disappears.
In the mouth
Most often, this option is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. The child has all the symptoms described above. A herpetic rash has several characteristics. With the herpes simplex virus, it can occur on the tonsils, cheek, and tongue. The rash is represented by various various bubbles, inside which there is liquid.
The liquid component is usually grayish or reddish in color. Herpetic vesicles protrude a couple of millimeters above the skin surface. In severe cases, they can be numerous and quite large in size. Such rashes on the tonsils represent a certain difficulty. They can easily burst and be 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 from the outside with 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 the lips
Most often found when infected with a simple virus. Usually the development of this herpetic rash is facilitated by subtype 1. The disease is characterized by the appearance of numerous bubbles 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 vesicles are damaged, open wounds appear. They can easily get a secondary bacterial infection. This leads to the development of viral and bacterial conditions. You can notice such changes at home. When bacteria get in, the bubbles begin to fester.
The red border of the lips is the most preferred site for herpes simplex viruses. Rashes do not appear immediately. At first, the damaged area begins to itch badly. After a couple of hours or by the end of the first day after the onset of severe itching, bubbles begin to appear. When they appear, itching increases several times.
Usually, the bubbles persist on the skin for 6-12 days. After an acute period of illness, they completely disappear from the skin. A dry crust appears in their place, which after a while disappears on its own. In some cases, moderate itching and redness of the damaged skin remains.
Herpetic eruptions on the face
This localization is not the most common. Usually, this form of herpes infection occurs in weakened and often sick babies, as well as children with various forms of immunodeficiency states. With this variant of the disease, red itchy bubbles appear on the nose, chin, forehead, and eyelids. Severe forms of the disease are accompanied by the occurrence of herpetic eruptions on almost the entire surface of the facial skin.
Each subspecies of herpes has its own favorite localizations and some features of the development of adverse symptoms. So, with herpes simplex virus type 1, bubbles appear mainly in the zone 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 stepped rash. In some cases, it also appears on the head, in the hair area.
After the bubbles disappear, crusts remain on the skin. They usually differ in color from the surrounding skin. The crusts are reddish or reddish brown. After a couple of days, they completely disappear, and the skin becomes pale pink and clean again. Itching usually disappears within 5-6 days after the first rash appears on the face.
What does the shingles look like?
The herpes virus type 3 leads to the development of this disease. This viral subtype is quite virulent. The risk of contracting it is quite high. Usually, babies attending kindergarten and preschool institutions are more likely to become infected with shingles. The herpes virus can be in the environment for a long time. Only prolonged exposure to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation lead to its destruction.
Most often, doctors note the disease with a shingles form of infection in babies who have recently had chickenpox. This is largely due to the peculiarities of the immune system. Weakened immunity cannot cope with the attack of pathogenic viruses. Frequently ill children and toddlers with immunodeficiencies are also at increased risk.
Once in a child's body, viruses can be in a "sleepy" state for quite a long time. Usually, with the blood stream, 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 appearance of the classic symptoms of herpes infection in the baby.
With the herpes zoster form, herpetic vesicles appear on almost the entire body. Their location depends on the affected nerve. They can be located on the leg, arm, back, front surface of the chest. The rarest localization for the encircling shape is the location on the palms and feet. In such cases, painful blisters predominantly appear on the skin of the fingers.
The development of rashes goes through several successive stages. The first is severe redness. After a couple of hours, a moderate itching appears, which becomes unbearable over time. The next stage is the appearance of bubbles. There is a serous fluid inside them. Herpetic vesicles persist 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 enter the area of the damaged areas, then they heal and crusts form. The crusts can persist for up to a week. Itching at this time is noticeably reduced. After another week, the crusts begin to fall off on their own.
After an illness, only areas of depigmented skin can remain on the skin. This is a temporary phenomenon. Usually, over time, this symptom disappears completely. In the future, the child's skin becomes clean, without traces of the transferred herpes infection.
Skin rashes also accompany other symptoms. These include an increase in temperature to febrile values, soreness and enlargement of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes, increasing headache and severe weakness. They usually persist during the entire acute period of the disease. To eliminate them, the appointment of anti-inflammatory drugs and plentiful warm drinks is required.
Usually, doctors note that the severity of the disease depends on the age of the patient. The younger the child, the easier it is to tolerate this form of herpes infection. In an older age, the disease is tolerated rather hard. Some patients with severe herpes zoster are even admitted to the hospital. They are shown to carry out intensive treatment.
In the intimate area
The defeat of the genitals by herpes infection is a fairly common pathology that occurs in children's medical practice. This disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2. It is distinguished by its peculiarity to infect the mucous membranes of the genital organs. The severity of the disease depends on the child's age, the presence of concomitant chronic diseases, as well as the state of his immunity.
This variant of herpes infection is usually sexually transmitted. However, in children there are some characteristics of the transmission of the disease. They can also become infected during intrauterine development - transcervically. In this case, viruses enter the bloodstream along with the amniotic fluid. The transplacental method promotes the transfer of microorganisms through the blood vessels of the placenta.
Scientists also note the variant of infection through the fallopian tubes - transovarially. A fairly common way of infection is during childbirth. Even small damage contributes to the easy entry of viruses into the child's body. This option is also called contact. Doctors note that babies are usually very easily infected with herpes infection at the time of birth.
The most significant susceptibility to infections with herpes simplex viruses type 2 is in babies aged from 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. Usually, after initial contact, clinical symptoms appear in only 10% of cases. For the rest, the infection remains latent.
Most cases of infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2 occur during adolescence.The variant of infection in this case is sexual or contact-household. After 5-7 days, the first adverse symptoms of the disease appear in children. They can persist for several weeks. The abatement of the acute period of the disease does not mean a complete recovery. Very often the course is chronic.
The classic symptom of genital herpes is numerous vesicles. They are located on the external genitals. These skin elements are quite itchy. In some cases, the itching can be unbearable. The time of day does not matter. Itching can bother a child both during the day and at night.
After the bubbles disappear, erosion and wounds remain on the skin. It will take some time for epithelialization. It usually takes 5-6 days. Then the mucous membrane is completely restored and healed. There are no traces of the transferred illness.
The child's general well-being is quite disturbed. The kid feels bad, his nervousness grows. Little kids are often naughty, kids can often ask for pens. Body temperature usually rises to 38-39 degrees. Against the background of febrile condition, the child may experience chills, as well as fever.
Intoxication symptoms are also significantly pronounced. With these forms of the disease, headache, sleep and appetite disturbances, and 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 are found in 90-95% of children. In other cases, the disease is severe. This condition requires urgent hospitalization of the child in a hospital. There, the baby will be given all the necessary complex 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 mostly infected during childbirth. Pregnancy pathologies also contribute to the development of intrauterine infection of the future fetus. Violation of the integrity of the placenta and supplying blood vessels leads to easier penetration of viruses to the baby.
Children under 1 year of age tolerate herpes quite hard. However, there are also exceptions. The severity of the disease depends on the state of the baby's immunity, his birth weight, and the presence of concomitant chronic diseases. If a child contracted the virus during childbirth, then the first symptoms appear, as a rule, after 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 babies who contract 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 options are found only in severe disease. The most dangerous localization is the eye area, since dangerous complications can occur in the form of optic nerve atrophy and the development of visual impairment.
- 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 eruptions cover almost the entire surface of the skin.
- Penetration into the brain. Registered in about 30% of newborns infected with herpes simplex virus type 2. The first clinical signs appear 2-3 weeks after the entry of microorganisms into the child's body. The course of the disease is unfavorable: the symptoms grow rapidly - within a short period of time. The danger of the condition is that it can be fatal.
Treatment
Today, the therapy of herpes infections is diverse. It includes a wide variety of products and medicines. 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 the transferred chickenpox, the baby develops stable lifelong immunity.
All treatment for herpes infections can be divided into several sections:
- Use of antiviral therapy. Medicines can be administered as tablets, injections, and ointments. In milder forms of the disease, topical preparations are mainly used. To eliminate severe symptoms, the appointment of tablets is already required. Among the most commonly used drugs are Acyclovir, Zovirax, Valtrex, Vectavir, Famvir and others.
- Restoration of the immune system. Immunotherapy is carried out mainly during the period of remission. The use of drugs of the interferon series and immunoglobulins helps to strengthen the immune system. Medicines are prescribed for a course appointment. The scheme is selected by a pediatrician or an immunologist - taking into account the child's age and characteristics of his anamnesis, as well as the presence of concomitant chronic diseases.
- Bed rest during the acute period. The time when the baby has a high temperature is best spent in bed. This will contribute to faster recovery and prevention of dangerous complications. Usually bed rest is prescribed for 3-5 days. In severe cases, it can be extended by a week or more.
- Good nutrition with a fairly high calorie content. Long-term development of the disease leads to physical exhaustion of the baby. To compensate for this condition, more intense nutrition is required. If the child has herpes sores in the mouth, then you should choose dishes with a more liquid and soft consistency. After the inflammatory process in the oral cavity subsides, the baby's menu can be expanded.
- Reception of multivitamin complexes. To cope with the consequences of viral intoxication, additional enrichment of the diet with vitamins and useful microelements is required. The well-functioning of the immune system is assisted by multivitamin complexes enriched with antioxidants. Selenium, vitamin C and retinol will be excellent helpers in the fight against dangerous viral infections.
- Warm, abundant drink. Helps eliminate all toxic foods from the body. Various fruit drinks and compotes made from berries and fruits are perfect as drinks. Too sweet drinks should not be given to the baby. It is better to pre-dilute them with boiled water. During the day, the sick baby should drink 1.5 liters of liquid.
- When a child develops chickenpox, it is very important to observe quarantine. The entire acute period of the disease, the baby should be at home. This will help prevent massive outbreaks of the disease in educational institutions. After normalization of health, the child can continue to attend kindergarten.
- Strengthening the immune system is an important part of treating herpes infection. Regular hardening, proper nutrition, optimal physical activity, as well as adequate rest and sleep contribute to the good functioning of the immune system. Any overload leads to physical and mental exhaustion of the baby, which contributes to the development of his immunodeficiency.
At home
For centuries, people have been treating herpes on their own, without resorting to drugs. Doctors recommend such treatment only for milder forms of the disease. It is quite dangerous for newborns and infants to use home therapy with folk remedies. Before any use of medicinal plants, be sure to consult with your doctor.
To eliminate the adverse symptoms of herpes, the following are used:
- Lotions made from lemon balm or mint. These funds do an excellent job of eliminating itching and redness of damaged skin areas. To prepare the infusion, take 1 tablespoon of raw materials and fill it with a glass of boiling water, leave for about an hour. Then 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 to eliminate itching, as well as any redness. You can use propolis to treat herpes blisters several times a day. This product is prohibited for use by babies who are allergic to honey.
- Eucalyptus oil. It helps relieve redness and itching in the affected area. Eucalyptus oil has excellent antiseptic properties. Applying this agent to herpes sores will help prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering and the development of suppuration.
- Broth of calendula. This tool is more often used in the form of lotions. For cooking, it is enough to 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 the damaged areas 3-4 times a day.
- Sea buckthorn oil. Promotes rapid healing of inflamed skin areas. You can treat rashes several times a day. Sea buckthorn oil is well applied to wound surfaces that form after the rupture of herpes blisters. This simple and affordable remedy helps to effectively deal with redness and reduce the severity of itchy skin.
You can learn more about herpes in the next video.
