Seeing your child with a facial sore can be distressing, but in most cases, some simple treatments will treat the sore. The challenge is preventing your child from making the sore worse through touching or scratching. If other symptoms accompany the sores, such as fever, rash or lethargy, visit a doctor as soon as you can because the sore might indicate a medical condition.
Herpes Simplex
The herpes simplex virus, more commonly known as cold sores when near the mouth, can affect children. Because children often touch their faces, they often spread the infection. The sores develop as red spots around the mouth and sometimes the nose. Over time, the sores can become blistered and very painful for children. Sores rarely last for more than two weeks. Topical creams containing acyclovir help combat the sores. However, speak to a doctor if the sores persist or to obtain some some child-friendly oral medication.
Minor Burns
Minor burns, such as first-degree burns, can occur on a child's face. Treat small, light facial burns with cool water or cold compresses for 15 minutes to ease your child's pain. Wrap the cooled burn in light, sterile gauze to keep the air from the wound. The face's lumps and bumps make it harder to wrap with bandage. If it's a more serious burn or a larger facial burn, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is one of the more common viral infections in children. It manifests itself as a rash with raised red bumps. These might turn into facial sores. Chickenpox creates unbearable itchiness. Children with chickenpox often make their sores worse by scratching at them. You need to encourage them to avoid scratching. Some lotions, such as calamine, will soothe the itching. However, see your doctor for appropriate prescriptions of antihistamines and acetaminophen. Trimming your child's fingernails also helps to stop any serious problems if they do scratch their face.
Impetigo
The bacterial infection impetigo often affects children. The impetigo bacteria live in your skin, but cause infection when a scratch, bite or burn breaks the skin surface. Sores develop as red marks, but eventually start to blister, seep pus and finally develop a hard scab crust. Washing the face with an antibacterial soap helps to contain the infection. However, your doctor might prescribe some stronger antibiotics for your child if the sores persist. Impetigo will usually clear up over time and leave no lasting damage.
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