17 Mo. Old with Cold Sore....

there are lots of home remedies for cold sores, from Listerine to alcohol to ice cubes, but it usually stings and you can't do that to such a little one. You may just want to get a soft tube of Carmex (easier to apply), apply that and band-aid it to keep her hands off it. I have been using a tube of Lysine gel topically, that's helped me. (found in with the other lip care items at the pharmacy, perhaps at Target I can't recall).

I second the tea tree oil AND oregano capsules are supposed to be helpful. My husband uses them as a preventative. I would DEFINITELY take her to the doctor if you haven't already. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP HER AWAY FROM OTHER CHILDREN!!!!! I know it sounds harsh, but they are SO contagious,and kids that age put everything in their mouths and touch each other all over the face. Our preschool will not allow a child to attend who has one. Make sure you Lysol wipe or otherwise sterilize and wash all of her toys, bedding, etc. to keep her from getting another right after this one.

I would also look at her immunity. Make sure she's getting a lot of vitamin C and a well-balanced, vitamin rich diet every day. Think of yourself -when do you get them? When you're stressed out and your immune system has taken a hit!

Unfortunately, as a virus, there really isn't much you can do.

Before you try anything, I'd ask a pharmacist. There are a lot of products that contain lysine that seemingly would be OK for a child (such as Herpicin-L). Carmex helps dry it out.

Since I don't know the age restrictions the FDA has on the products, I'd recommend either calling your pediatrician or asking a pharmacist to guide you better.

I would call your pediatrician because it's unusual for kids to break out with cold sores. I get cold sores too, ever since I was a teen. I have three kids (18yr, 2.5yr, and 4mo). My son broke out with them for the first time around 15yrs and I'm sure he got it from me as a baby/kid - and he actually broke out severely inside his mouth when he got really sick. I think I would be more concerned about why she had a breakout this young. If she was really sick or had a recent sunburn then I could understand it but you didn't mention either of these. It could lead to other problems in young children, not likely I'd think in most cases but why take the chance.

You also want to try to keep her away from other kids. I stress try because I know how hard this will be. The virus is found in our saliva and blood so she could actually pass it onto other children right now. Most people contract the virus before adulthood and it becomes dormant.

I really hope it clears up soon!

Hi Laura,

Tea tree oil will heal them quickly. A high quality (T36-C5) will work best. She won't like the taste but it will work and if she licks it or ingests it, it's not going to hurt her.

Laura, cold sores are very contagious but they usually don't spread unless the immune system is very very low. There are ways that you can combat them for yourself and then she won't be exposed to them. An absorbable multivitamin, good nutrition, and L-Lysine, when you're stressed particularly. Stress will deplete the Amino acid L-Lysine in your body and the depletion makes the body more susceptible to them. There are ways to build her immune system as well. If you would like more info, let me know.

God bless,

M.

I just want to tell you you are not alone. My baby also got it...at about 15 months for the first time. Here is what my doctor told us.

#1 - 75% of poeple (young and old) have herpes...fact
#2 - Some people are "prone" to get it...meaning if you are gonna get it you are gonna get it...no matter how hard you try to prevent it.
#3 - My ped said that young kids CAN take Valtrex type stuff...just a lower dose.

My ped tends to be more on the "hippy" no-medication side, so don't think she is just an over medicator. Cold sores are nasty little pains to deal with...and the stigma around them is bad...even though MOST people get them...go figure! Anyways, people who stare dont really know what you have...they are just staring at a boo-boo. So try not to take it personal...even though I know thats tough!

You are a good mom so don't be harsh on yourself : - )

I was going to suggest you try L-lysine---but then realized you daughter is 17 months (not years) old. Try asking your pharmacist and/or pediatrician. Our pharmacist recommended the lysine for us; it's over the counter.

I've been plagued by cold sores since I was little. Not one other person in my family ever got them.
I swear by Herpecin-L. It's in a tube like lipstick. Make sure there's nothing in it that can harm your baby if ingested but I know in my life at one time or another I got some in my mouth. I didn't get sick or anything.
Talk to the doctor and the pharmacist.
As bad as I've had cold sores, they fortunately never spread anywhere else which is saying something.

Don't worry about other people staring. I hate to tell you this, but your little one will likely get plenty of bumps and scrapes and scabs. It's just part of what happens.

My son's preschool photo recorded for history the lovely bruised, scabby bump he got on his forehead 2 days before.

I really hope your little one gets better soon. I've tried everything and I mean EVERYTHING. Herpecin-L soothes and doesn't sting, but they might have something that works better for your baby.

Best wishes!