Cold sores affect almost 20 percent of all children by the age of 5 years, according to the Australia's Children, Youth, and Women's Health Service website. Primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores can cause pain and discomfort before healing in four to nine days. Cold sores are most likely to occur when a child is tired or sick. Temperature changes and sunburns can also lead to cold sores. While you can't cure cold sores, treatment can relieve symptoms or shorten their duration.
Prescription Creams
Antiviral creams such as penciclovir, aciclovir, or valacyclovir can help shorten the size and duration of the cold sore, according to Dental Resource.org. Because of potential side effects, many pediatricians reserve prescription medications for cases when cold sores are frequent and greatly interfere with eating and drinking.
Ice Cube Treatment
The Children Youth and Women's Health Service website recommends placing an ice cube on the area as soon as it begins to itch or tingle, a common first sign of a cold sore. Apply the ice cube for five minutes every half hour for two hours. Patients report that the cold sore stays small and disappears more quickly, while others say it never develops at all.
Rest and Hydration
Because fatigue and illness play a role in activating the virus that causes cold sores, efforts to restore health and wellness can help treat cold sores. According to Dr. Greene Pediatrics, parents should ensure that their child gets extra sleep, along with plenty of nonacidic liquids to drink.
Pain Relief Treatment
Parents can take acetaminophen and ibuprofen as part of cold sore treatment. While this will not affect the duration of the cold sore, it can alleviate the pain that comes with it.
