My 10 1/2 Mo Old Has a Cold Sore!

It is a virus, and likely what happened is that someone who has the cold sore virus (it is a herpes simplex virus) kissed her. The annoying thing about the herpes virus is that it can be spread without any symptoms present. A person can be contageous and not know it.

My parents both had cold sores, as did my sister. I have never had one. I don't know why my immune system fought it off, although I do have an incredible immune system (it also fights itself which isn't so good LOL.)

There's nothing you could have done, nothing you can do. Since she is so young I would not try any herbal remedies (they are NOT FDA approved even for adults) and would only use meds if the doctor tells you to. However, know that she is quite contageous while it's open (I think once scabbed it's not contageous, like Chicken Pox--which is also a member of the herpes virus family.) So you might want to avoid playdates since at that age they mouth everything. :)

hi,

Try not to worry. Cold sores don't come from germs. I have a friend who's toddler started getting cold sores on her lip and she learned that too much acidity can trigger it - like from fruit juices.

I know there are vitamin supplements you can give to help with this as well - I'm sure other posters here will know, but I would be sure she is at least taking some kind of multivitamin and keep her hydrated with plenty of water.

She might not ever get another one, but if she does I think I'd be inclined to ask more questions of the doctor or get another opinion - there are topicals and meds for adults who get cold sores, why not children?

take care

Hi ,
Try not to beat yourself up about it . Cold sores are viruses . I have three daughters and I am very protective of them . Have you ever thought of switching to non toxic products that help to eliminate the germs for your home while being safe around your family?
I have been a customer of the company for over five years . I initially started with the company because my girls kept getting strep throat several times a year . Now we do not have that problem .
let me know if you would like to hear more to help the germ issue in your home

Shay Snyder
www.workathomeunited.com/shay

You don't get a cold sore from germs. You have to carry the Herpes virus in your body. My son is 5 and gets them every 3 to 4 months. My husband gets them all the time too. I have never had one in my life, I must not have the virus. You can get a prescription ointment from the Doctor, that as soon as you feel a tingle on your lip, you apply it, and it helps, the cold sore will either not form at all, or it will be only a minor one. I find it very hard to catch it soon enough with my son, because he dosen't tell me when it starts to tingle, or it will come out in school. Some books and people that I talk to, say stress can cause an outbreak, I guess, your immune system weakens when you are under stress, and depending on the person, anything can be stressful. My son has a hard time going to school, after he's had a long week vacation or something, so sometimes he will get them then. Don't worry it is nothing you are doing wrong, or your cleanliness. She must just carry the virus, which I know stinks, because you hate to see them in pain!

My 1y/o just had this a few weeks ago. It started off with one red bump and then spread around her mouth and down onto her chin..took her to the doc and he said she had herpes...ok so I freaked(I know its not a big deal but still I have 3 older girls that have never had cold sores). I racked my brain to think of where she could have gotten this from(I am concluding she got it from the toys at our library). Anyway, the doc asked if anyone in the family gets cold sores and I said I did(but only when I am REALLY stressed), but hadn't had one in at least a year...he said it didnt matter that that could be why she is getting them...although he cant be sure....hers was so bad that he put her on acyclovir 4 x's day for 10 days to clear it up. He said she will probably continue to get cold sores for the rest of her life, but that it really isnt that big of a deal....also, this is so strange b/c as with my cold sores(No one ever gets them from me)none of her sisters got a cold sore-I always thought they were super contagious-who knows, but it is gone now and hopefully wont come back(it was affecting her eating and drinking too b/c it was so painful...so give tylenol and ibuprofen if you think he is uncomfortable...good luck!

Cold sores are a strain of the herpes simplex 1, which is a virus. Don't worry it is not genital herpes. So many things can trigger an outbreak, too much sun, stress, illness and just coming in contact with someone who has a sore. I have had them as long as I can remember and other than being ugly and sore, it is no big deal. Since your daughter is so young I would only put vitamin E on the sore to keep it soft. Get used to them, she will have them her entire life.

M.B.
It is very common to get cold sores. A couple of our kids are just like their daddy with cold sores. THey would get them when they would start getting a cold. Don't worry it will go away.
L. W.
A SAHM (part time sitter) of 4 kids (3girls & 1 boy)

It is a curse I too was born with. From what I know, it is just a virus that some people are predisposed to. My aunt and I both suffer from them, but my mother and sister have never had them. Just F.Y.I. I know it won't be encouraging to hear, but you can probably bet on cold sores in school pictures and other important photos for the rest of her life(I planned a stress-free Vegas wedding because I knew the stress of a big one would bring on a cold sore and ruin my day, not to mention honeymoon). My cold sores were always triggered by stress, my period, and the sun. Use SPF 15+ lip balm at all times. When she gets older you can treat it with Abreva (that tends to work pretty well for me)when she first feels the tingle. Then you can use an antiseptic to dry the sore during the day and cover it with makeup and menthol salve to help it heal at night. She'll learn to live with them and rest assured, it was nothing you did.

Dear MB. Your being to hard on yourself first time Moms are always nervous but don't worry cold sores are common. She will be fine and so will you take it easy don't worry be happy. A.

M B,
Cold sores come from a virus - at some point in her short life someone who carries the virus came into contact with her and she "caught" it. Unfortunately, there is really no cure for this - it will live in her body forever. There are many ways to suppress the virus so that outbreaks are limited. I would talk to your doctor to see what is appropriate treatment for a little baby. Reducing acidic foods and drinks is a good start as this can prolong an outbreak and her little lips are probably sensitive to the acid, too. Sun exposure should be limited, too. Make sure she wears a sunhat and sunscreen on her face.

My mom has cold sores and passed it to me when I was little so I don't remember life without them. They are a pain, but you get used to it and you learn what triggers outbreaks and how to avoid those things. Good luck to you and your little daughter!

T.