Childhood herpes or gingivostomatitis is the most common manifestation of primary herpes simplex virus infection. The mucous membrane of the mouth is very painful. It mainly affects 1-4 year olds.
Herpes in children is called herpetic gingivostomatitis. The infection usually occurs between 1 and 3-4 years and it is very painful in the little one at the level of the oral mucosa and lips. How can a baby get herpes? How to treat it?
What is the definition of herpetic gingivostomatitis?
There herpetic gingivostomatitis is an attack of the oral mucosa linked to an infection by herpes simplex virus. It is characterized by the appearance of vesicles (small blisters) in the mouth, with secondary extension around the lips. These blisters will quickly rupture to form aphthoid ulcerations. The resulting irritation of the oral mucosa is called stomatitis.
What causes herpes in children?
Herpetic gingivostomatitis is a primary infection caused in 90% of cases by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). It’s about a common pediatric infection. Herpes infection may or may not be symptomatic. It is estimated that after 5 years, 80% of children have been infected.
What are the symptoms of herpes in children?
“The diagnosis is made in the presence of painful ulcerated areas (canker sores) in large numbers over the entire oral cavity (inner cheeks, tongue, back of the throat, palate, lips, chin) with sometimes painful, erythematous and swollen gums. Vesicles are sometimes visible around the lips or on the chin”, explains Doctor Aude Mariani-Ecochard, pediatrician at Clinique St Jean in Montpellier.
- The presence of whitish deposits on the tongue and the tonsils evokes a secondary superinfection by a fungus (oral mycosis), very common in the youngest.
- We often note a strong salivationa foul breath, or glands in the neck.
- Feeding is made difficult by oral lesions.
- Fever is common but not constant.
Photo: what does the herpes pimple look like in children?
Is it contagious ? How long ?
This ailment is very contagious through saliva. The contagion varies from 8 to 20 days. Incubation is short, around 2 to 3 days
What are the dangers of herpes in children?
In some cases, the herpes infection can cause complications:
- A risk of dehydration
- A risk of mycotic or bacterial superinfection
- A risk of ocular herpes,
- Exceptionally hepatitis or meningoencephalitis (especially in immunocompromised children).
- In children with atopic dermatitis or eczema, special care must be taken because of the risk of severe skin aggravation (Kaposi Juliusberg Syndrome)
These different complications require rapid treatment in hospitalizationnot.
How long does herpes last in children?
The lesions heal spontaneously in 7 to 15 days. The oral blisters heal slowly, covering themselves with a grayish membrane before disappearing. The blisters of the lips and the chin, if there are any, are covered with a brown crust which must be respected to allow good healing.
Treatment is most often outpatient and symptomatic. Above all, parents should ensure that the child gets enough hydration (offer sugar water or milk to avoid hypoglycaemia). Hospitalization is sometimes necessary, when the child can no longer hydrate or if there are complications. When there are no signs of complications:
► Pain is treated with painkillers (mainly paracetamol).
► The addition of a local treatment (gel, mouthwash) is difficult to administer and is of little interest, unless there is superinfection by a fungus (oral mycosis).
► An antiviral treatment can be prescribed by the doctor, a treatment that is all the more effective if it is put in place quickly, ideally as soon as the first lesions appear.
► It is imperative avoid any anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid treatment in ointment or orally, which can cause severe complications. “Herpetic stomatitis is not not a condition of mandatory eviction from the community (nursery or school). But for the comfort of the child, it is better, if possible, that he is kept at home to be cared for and supervised”, advise the doctor.
Thanks to Doctor Aude Mariani-Ecochard, pediatrician at Clinique St Jean in Montpellier.