Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are painful, fluid-filled blisters on the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Unfortunately, there is no cure for fever blisters, but you can reduce the duration and discomfort of the infection for your child with a few simple steps. Contact your pediatrician if your child's cold sores do not heal within 10 to 14 days, the child has frequent outbreaks or his eyes become inflamed or irritated.
Step 1
Apply a topical cream to your child's sore to decrease her pain and prevent irritation. Lidocaine is a temporary analgesic that will ease her discomfort. Benzocaine can be used to minimize irritation of the sores. Do not use benzocaine in children younger than 2 years of age.
Step 2
Ask your pediatrician if oral antiviral medications would be an appropriate treatment for your child. Antiviral drugs are sometimes prescribed for individuals who have frequent cold sore flare-ups.
Step 3
Alternately apply ice packs and warm compresses to your child's fever blister to minimize pain.
Step 4
Discourage your child from picking at the blisters as this will delay healing.
Step 5
Give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not use aspirin in children younger than 2 years of age.
Step 6
Do not allow your child to kiss other adults or children until the fever blisters have healed. Herpes simplex is highly contagious and will spread quickly to others if proper hygiene is not observed.
Tips and Warnings
- Discuss any medications with your pediatrician before giving them to your child.
- Benzocaine can cause a rare, but sometimes fatal, reaction in which blood oxygenation is decreased. Do not apply topical benzocaine without first consulting your physician. Aspirin should be used with caution in children and adolescents since it has been linked to Reye's syndrome. Aspirin should not be given to older children who are experiencing or recovering from the flu or chicken pox.
Things You'll Need
- Topical creams
- Ice pack
- Warm compress
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
