Herpes virus symptoms in a child. Herpetic infections in children. What factors provoke the recurrence of the disease?

Herpes in children is an infection caused by the herpes virus. This common disease poses the greatest danger to a child during intrauterine development, as well as in the first 1.5-2 years of life.

Symptoms

Signs of illness in children may depend on the type of virus. Each type has its own characteristics, for example:

• The main route of transmission of genital herpes is sexual. Young children could become carriers by passing through the birth canal of an infected mother during birth;
• a type of herpes called the Epstein-Barr virus can lead to the development of infectious mononucleosis or cancer;
• The causative agent of herpes zoster is the Varicella-Zoster type of herpes.

Herpes in children may have symptoms characteristic of several types of the disease:

• the prodromal period rarely makes it clear that a child has herpes. Headaches and discomfort, high fever are similar to flu symptoms. As with this pathology, the child looks apathetic and loses appetite;
• at the next stage, the virus manifests itself in the form of rashes and redness in various parts of the body. Itching occurs;
• gradually the itching intensifies and begins to be accompanied by painful sensations. Vesicles—liquid-filled blisters—appear at the site of the rash. In children, the area affected by the vesicular rash is larger than in adults. With herpes gingivitis or stomatitis, not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes of the oral cavity are in the affected area.

Types of Herpes

A herpetic rash, depending on the type of virus, appears on the tongue, on the back, or on the back. Types of herpes in children and adults:

• — HSV (herpes simplex virus), or “cold,” looks like a rash of blisters on the lips;
• - HSV, which causes a rash on the genitals;
• Type 3 - the virus causes chickenpox and can recur in the form of herpes zoster;
• - Epstein-Barr virus, provokes infectious mononucleosis and Burkitt's lymphoma;
• Type 5 - CMV (cytomegalovirus);
• - is the cause of sudden eczema in children (pseudo-rubella);
• Type 7, type 8 are viruses that are currently poorly studied.

Causes

Infection with the herpes virus in a child can be observed already in the first years of life. The disease has various routes of transmission. If close relatives are healthy, infection occurs during initial contact with a carrier of the herpes virus in a preschool institution, school, or public place. For a long time, herpes remains in a passive state. Activation occurs under the influence of factors such as:

• overheating or hypothermia;
• poor nutrition;
• physical and mental stress that is difficult for children;
• stressful situations;
• infections (in most cases this is ARVI).

The main reason is a decrease in immunity.

Treatment of herpes in children

Treatment of herpes in children at home using alternative medicine should be limited. It is necessary for the child to be examined by a doctor. Folk remedies can be used as a supplement to a treatment course.

Which doctor treats

At the first symptoms of herpes in children, you should contact your local pediatrician. If after testing the diagnosis is confirmed, the pediatrician will also provide treatment.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of herpes begins with an examination of the mucous membranes and skin of children in the pediatrician’s office.

If symptoms are severe, laboratory tests may not be required, and treatment is prescribed immediately.

If it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes:

• Enzyme immunoassay test. This is a blood test aimed at identifying the type of virus (qualitative study) and the amount of antibodies in the blood (quantitative study). If the level of the latter increases, the herpes virus is activated.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. To conduct the study, materials from the skin or mucous membrane located in the affected area are used.
• Culture method. The pathogen can be identified using a smear taken from the affected area. Viruses are sown on a nutrient medium. After some time, it becomes possible to establish that they belong to any type of herpes.

How to treat

Treatment for herpes may include:

• Antiherpetic and antiviral drugs. Forms of release of medicines - ointment, gel, injections, tablets. External treatment has the least effectiveness. To accumulate antiviral substances in the body, injections or pills are required. The most effective drugs include: Acyclovir, Herpevir, Zovirax.
• Immunostimulating agents. Necessary for maintaining and strengthening the child’s immunity. The pediatrician may prescribe Groprinosin, Immunal.
• Vitamin therapy. Also aimed at maintaining the immune system. The patient will benefit from tincture of Eleutherococcus, which can be used to relieve emotional and physical stress. The tincture strengthens the immune system and increases the overall tone of the body. The patient needs to take vitamins B and C.
• Antihistamines. Prescribed for extensive skin lesions and severe itching. An example of such drugs can be: Cetrin, Erius, Claritin.
• Antipyretic drugs. Prescribed for chickenpox, infectious mononucleosis and roseola, when the child’s body temperature rises above 38°C.

Folk remedies

Non-traditional recipes for external use are suitable for children:

• compress of aloe or kalanchoe juice. A clean piece of cloth should be moistened with the juice of the plant and applied to the affected area for 20-30 minutes;
• garlic ointment. To prepare the medicine, you need to take 3 medium-sized cloves of garlic, 1 tsp. honey and 1 tbsp. l. ash. The ingredients must be mixed using a mixer. The ointment is applied to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Parents need to ensure that the medicine does not cause burns or irritation. For the first use, it is enough to apply the ointment for 5-10 minutes and check the skin reaction;
• lemon balm compress. 1 tbsp. l. plants need to be filled with 1 cup of boiling water. The broth should brew and cool to room temperature. The compress is applied for 30-40 minutes. The decoction is suitable for internal use. Melissa drink should be consumed 100-200 g 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals. The treatment course lasts 10-15 days.

Prevention

Prevention is necessary for both healthy babies and those children who have already become carriers of the virus. Parents are obliged to teach their child the rules of personal hygiene: wash hands before eating, use only their own things, etc. Children should not have contact with infected peers or relatives.

Herpes in a child's blood will not harm him if his immunity is strong enough.

Children need a balanced diet. Twice a year, in spring and autumn, you need to carry out vitamin therapy. The local pediatrician should select the most suitable medications for this.

Children must be protected from factors that activate the virus. The child should not be hypothermic or overheated, have the flu, or be exposed to stress. You should avoid additional loads, for example, attending several clubs at the same time. At the same time, it is advisable to involve children in sports. Moderate physical activity increases the body's endurance and strengthens the immune system.

Complications and consequences

It is more difficult for a child’s body to fight the virus than for an adult. In the absence of timely treatment, herpes located in the nerve ganglia in a child can have consequences in the form of complications on the central nervous system, resulting in depressive disorders and schizophrenia. Disturbances in the functioning of internal organs become serious consequences.

Herpes on the eye (ophthalmoherpes) with complications leads to iridocyclitis, keratitis and other eye diseases.

When herpes affects the ENT organs in children, hearing decreases or deafness occurs, and herpetic sore throat may occur. The virus is also dangerous for the reproductive system. In the future, it can lead to infertility.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

According to Dr. Komarovsky, the herpes simplex virus occurs in 65-90% of the world's population. By the age of six, 80% of children are infected. The course of the disease depends on the state of the defense system: the stronger the immune system, the less frequent the manifestations of the disease. In many children, the virus is inactive and does not pose a threat to life or health.

Herpes, skin manifestations of herpes - what you need to know? Advice for parents - Union of Pediatricians of Russia.

What to do with herpes? Children's doctor.

Herpes - School doc. Komarovsky — Inter

When vesicles appear in children on the face, cheek, stomach, or arms, parents should take their son or daughter to a specialist, and then follow all the doctor’s instructions. Dr. Komarovsky strongly does not recommend self-medication.

Questions of symptoms, methods of treating herpes in children and its consequences are of interest to many parents. It is especially important to know how this very dangerous disease manifests itself in young children who cannot yet speak.

Most of the population of our planet are carriers of the herpes virus. It penetrates the body in a variety of ways. The disease can begin immediately or after some time, when the child is especially weakened due to illness, fatigue or nervous strain.

Infection can be prevented by knowing how to protect children from herpes from the time they are born until they reach puberty, when their immune system has stabilized.

Causes of the disease

Dr. Komarovsky in his programs very popularly and reasonably described the preconditions that contribute to the occurrence of herpes in a child. The source of infection is a carrier of the virus or a person whose disease is in the acute stage.

Routes of transmission of infection can be:

Herpes in the blood of a newborn can remain dormant for a long time. The first months of his life he is protected by immunity, which he inherited from his mother.

The virus can survive on household items for several days while remaining active. Treatment of herpes in children should begin when the first signs of this disease are detected. It can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the type of virus.

Characteristic symptoms

Herpesvirus infection in children most often occurs at the age of 3–5 years. At this time, children begin to move independently. They actively explore the world not only visually, but also through touch, tasting all objects. Children begin to attend kindergarten and communicate with peers. As they grow older, they stop putting all sorts of objects into their mouths, which significantly reduces the risk of infection.

When an infection enters the body, the incubation period can last from one day to a month.

It spreads throughout the body and lingers in the nervous system, becoming more active at the slightest disruption in the functioning of the immune system. Each type of disease has its own characteristics. But there are signs that are common to all types of the disease.

The following symptoms of herpes in children are observed at the onset of the disease:

• increase in body temperature to 38–39ºС;
• weakness, lethargy and irritability;
• aches in the joints of the arms and legs;
• excruciating headache;
• lack of appetite;
• rashes of various types.

The manifestation of the disease is individual in each child. This factor is determined by age, level of development and the presence of concomitant infectious diseases. The main sign that children have developed viral herpes is single or multiple rashes.

What are the types of herpes?

A child may have one of eight types of virus in his blood, into which herpes is divided. This broad classification is justified by the clinical picture, which is characteristic of different types of the disease.

HSV types 1 and 2

The photo shows the first type of virus, which is the most common. Almost every child who reaches adulthood is affected by it. The disease is provoked by complications in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, nervous and reproductive systems.

When a child develops herpes type 1, the following symptoms are observed:

• temperature rise to 39ºС;
• the appearance of many small ulcers in the mouth;
• rashes on the lips, nose and chin.

The disease begins with unpleasant sensations at the site of future rashes. Over time, bubbles form and spread to adjacent areas when damaged.

Herpes type 2. As a rule, medicine associates it with damage to the genital organs. In most cases, the disease occurs in adolescents who began early sexual activity. The disease can also occur in newborns due to infection from the mother during pregnancy or childbirth.

This type of illness can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• rashes on the genitals, spreading to their entire outer part;
• changes in the skin resembling diaper rash;
• general malaise and weakness;
• rashes in the nasopharynx and tonsils if herpetic sore throat is provoked;
• chills and fever.

Genital infections are particularly difficult. The virus causes extensive rashes throughout the body, disturbances in the digestive system and brain activity.

Other types of virus

Consequences of herpes in children

It is not the pathogenic HSV that poses a health hazard, but the complications that arise if a child’s herpes is not treated. Newborns whose bodies are not prepared to deal with a serious illness are at greatest risk. The lack of qualified and prompt medical care can result in disability and death for children.

The consequences of having herpes can be the following diseases:

• cerebral palsy;
• meningitis;
• eye damage (iridocyclitis, episcleritis, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal erosion, uveitis, chorioretinitis) or blindness;
• epilepsy;
• Down syndrome;
• chronic liver and kidney diseases.

To avoid this, it is necessary to treat herpes in children immediately after the first signs of its manifestation appear. This will allow the disease to be stopped at an early stage.

Diagnostics

Since the child’s body is in the formative stage, his immune system is not able to resist a dangerous infection. In order to accurately and correctly determine how to treat herpes, a thorough diagnosis is carried out.

Examination of a sick child includes the following methods:

1. Examination by a pediatrician. During this procedure, the doctor takes the patient’s general vital signs, assesses his condition and external manifestations of the disease.
2. A biochemical blood test is performed, urine and feces are examined. If oncology is suspected, histological examination of tissue samples is carried out.
3. Virological culture. Scrapings are taken from the rash to determine the virus antigen. The material for the study is blood, skin and fluid from the blisters.
4. Carrying out ultrasound diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging to determine the extent of damage to the brain and internal organs.
5. Consultation with relevant specialists. This helps to identify the cause that provoked the weakening of the immune system.

After the research, the attending physician makes a final diagnosis and gives recommendations on how to treat the child.

General rules for treating a child for HSV

Herpes is a type of virus that no drugs can destroy. After entering the body, the virus penetrates nerve cells and remains there until the end of a person’s life. Its activation occurs whenever the child’s body reaches a weakened state.

At the first signs of the disease, the following measures must be taken:

1. Isolate the child from others. This is necessary in order to prevent their infection and protect the patient from infection with other diseases.
2. Provide the child with bed rest. Do not allow him to go outside or walk freely around the apartment.
3. Keep the room clean. Wash and dust floors regularly. Ventilate the room at least twice a day.
4. Ensure that the patient drinks as much fluid as possible. You can give him juice, tea, fruit drink and compote.
5. Provide regular and nutritious meals. Food should be rich in proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates.

If the baby has a high temperature, then you need to put a wet bandage on the forehead and wipe the limbs with a weak solution of vinegar.

Parents should not make diagnoses or choose medications on their own. The decision on how to cure herpes is the exclusive prerogative of the attending physician.

Drug therapy

Viral infection is treated exclusively with a conservative method. Surgical intervention is used only in the most difficult cases, when the patient has developed complications in the form of necrosis, pathological edema and suppuration. As a rule, the fight against herpes is carried out comprehensively, using all available and safe drugs for the patient.

To get rid of the disease and its symptoms, the child is prescribed:

• antihistamines - to reduce itching and prevent an allergic reaction to medications (Suprastin, Zyrtec);
• antiherpetic ointments - to prevent cracking of damaged areas of the skin and mucous membranes, to prevent the rash from spreading to other areas of the body (Acyclovir,);
• antipyretic drugs - to prevent critical overheating of the patient and improve his well-being so that he is able to eat, drink and move independently (Nurofen, Paracetamol);
• broad-spectrum and targeted antibiotics - in the event of the development of a concomitant bacterial infection;
• - to strengthen the immune system and restore internal organs after exposure to viruses and antibiotics.

Treatment is carried out using injections, tablets and ointments. All medications are purchased only as prescribed by a doctor. Treatment adjustments are made every 2–3 days.

After the exacerbation period ends, the patient may be prescribed a course of physiotherapy.

Treatment with folk remedies

are not used as independent methods of treatment. They can only be used in combination with pharmacological drugs and physiotherapy. Traditional medicine recipes are good because they strengthen the immune system, relieve irritation and inflammation.

The following procedures are safe for a child:

• lotions on the affected area from celandine juice;
• ingestion of lemon balm decoction;
• compress of grated apples, potatoes and garlic;
• applying plantain leaves to the rash;
• rubbing the skin with the juice of wormwood, lemon or milkweed;
• treatment of damaged areas with alcohol tincture of propolis;
• applying a cloth soaked in a solution of calendula tincture and sea salt.

When using folk remedies, you need to carefully look at the body's reaction. At the slightest sign of a negative perception of the medicine, the procedure should be stopped immediately.

Preventive actions

Prevention of herpes in children should be aimed at strengthening the immune system and the comprehensive development of the child, both physically and morally. To do this, it is necessary to provide the child with normal nutrition containing sufficient amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.

To prevent your baby from overheating or hypothermia, you need to choose a wardrobe for any weather.

Due attention should be paid to physical development and hardening of the body. At the same time, we should not forget that the child should not get too tired and get proper rest.

All identified infectious diseases must be treated until complete recovery. If herpes is detected in children, treatment should begin immediately.

Herpes is one of the very common viruses that affects both adults and children. Once the herpes virus enters a child’s body, it remains in his cells for life. No one has yet been able to get rid of it, but it is possible to make sure that the virus appears as rarely as possible. In nature, there are a wide variety of types of herpes in children, but eight types have been studied that can harm humans.

• 1 type(labial herpes, “cold”), herpes simplex in children.
• Type 2 genital herpes (on the genitals),
• Type 3 everyone knows “Chickenpox”, herpes
• 4 types in the Epstein-Barr children,
• 5type cytomegalovirus infection,
• 6 type HHV-6,
• 7 type HHV – 7,
• 8type HHV – 8.

According to statistics, the entire population of the earth is carriers of herpes, so by the age of 5, 85% of children have this virus in their bodies, which penetrates the cells of the nervous system and remains there in a weakened state for the rest of their lives. But under certain circumstances, the virus “wakes up” and begins to rapidly multiply, thereby manifesting itself.

Herpes simplex virus in children type 1.

It appears on the lips of a child (cold), this sore is introduced with unwashed hands, food, toys, airborne droplets, etc., and is the most common type. In addition to hypothermia, it can also be provoked by the sun and climate change. It is localized on the lip in the form of small blisters and may be accompanied by malaise, less often by fever. If your baby has these symptoms, then you may develop herpetic sore throat or stomatitis in the future. You can draw certain conclusions that this type of herpes, being the most common, is not as “severe” as its other “brothers,” but it can also cause serious trouble:

1. Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, membranes of the eye.
2. Cause a malfunction of the central nervous system.
3. Inflammation of peripheral nerves (neuritis).
4. Damage to the heart, kidneys, joints.

Treatment.

To treat herpes simplex in children, you can use folk remedies: take herbal teas, if you are not allergic, for example, Echinacea, which will help strengthen the immune system and resist viruses. You can also use it to wipe away rashes on your lip by moistening a cotton pad.

When the first blisters appear on the lip or even before them, feeling burning and itching, you can use antiviral ointment VIFERON, ACYCLOVIR, OXALINE ointment. Lubricate frequently after 4 hours.

The second type of virus is genital.

Which a child can become infected with during childbirth from the mother if she is sick with genital herpes. Rashes appear on the genitals, on the inner thigh, and then on other parts of the body. The course of the disease can lead to complications in the form of herpetic sore throat and stomatitis, which affects the oral mucosa.

The third type of virus.

Causes: It has long been believed that if you suffered from this disease in childhood, you will no longer be infected with it due to the developed lifelong immunity, but this is not so. Unfortunately, the disease can manifest itself again, but in the form of shingles.

Herpes type 4 in Epstein-Barr children.

It is one of the most widespread pathogenic viruses on the planet and is responsible for the development infectious . The first contact with the virus occurs in childhood. In most people, infection occurs asymptomatically or may resemble a common acute respiratory infection. The initial stage is not dangerous for the body as it does not affect the functioning of internal organs, but in the future it can manifest itself causing serious diseases.

Infection occurs as usual with viral infections by airborne droplets (sneezing, coughing of virus carriers), household contact (toys, hygiene items), from mother to child, blood transfusion, sexually (saliva, kisses).

What diseases can the Epstein-Barr virus (or herpes type 4 in children) cause?

1. Infectious mononucleosis.
2. Genital herpes.
3. Lymphogranulomatosis.
4. Herpetic sore throat.
5. Multiple sclerosis.

The most dangerous role of herpes type 4, it contributes to the development of cancer:

1. Stomach cancer.
2. Cancer of the small and large intestine.
3. Burkitt's lymphomas.
4. Leukoplaxia of the mucous membrane of the tongue and oral cavity - nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Symptoms

1. The body temperature rises and can persist for a month, without chills or sweating.
2. The child will be weak and lethargic.
3. Your baby will complain of a headache.
4. The nose will be stuffy.
5. The throat will be red and painful when swallowing, and plaque will appear on the tonsils.
6. Lymph nodes will be enlarged: cervical, submandibular.

The most interesting thing is that the usual treatment prescribed for viral infections will not be effective. At the height of the disease, symptoms of liver damage appear: the urine darkens, the color of the skin and eyes becomes yellow, nausea appears, appetite decreases, and blisters appear on the skin in the form of hives. Only after two or three weeks the child’s well-being improves.

After recovery, lifelong immunity remains, but the herpes virus remains in the body for life, that is, you turn into a virus carrier.

Therefore, with a decrease in immunity, the disease may recur, but in a milder form, like a simple cold.

If your child complains of a sore throat, an examination revealed enlarged lymph nodes, and the body temperature is elevated, then in this case you need to conduct a series of examinations:

1. Complete blood test.
2. Do: ALT, AST.
3. ELISA takes blood from a vein to determine antibodies to herpes virus type 4.
4. PCR to determine part of the DNA of a specific virus strain.
5. : liver, spleen, pancreas in order to determine the extent of damage.

Treatment of type 4 virus in children.

1. It is necessary to remain calm and dress warmly.
2. Antiviral drugs: Acyclovir. Medicines are taken to eliminate complications and speed up recovery.
3. When a secondary infection occurs, antibacterial therapy is carried out.
4. Drink plenty of fluids.
5. Gargling with infusion of chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort.
6. Treatment of the pharynx with Chlorhexidine, Miramistin
7. If your throat is swollen, you will need hormonal therapy
8. Treatment with immunomodulators (Viferon) plus vitamins to normalize the functioning of the immune system and faster recovery.

Complications.

It happens extremely rarely, but if a secondary infection occurs, then complications are possible:

1. Damage to the facial nerve.
2. Development of mental disorders.
3. Severe liver damage.
4. Inflammation of the membranes of the heart (Myocarditis).

With reduced immunity, this infection can degenerate into a malignant one; Burkitt's lymphoma develops; a tumor forms in the jaw area, which can spread to other organs (thyroid gland, mammary glands, pelvic organs).

Having such serious consequences and considering that herpes infection cannot be cured, the task of pediatricians is to minimize recurrences of viral diseases.

The fifth type of virus is Cytomygalovirus.

Abbreviated as CMV, it is one of the types of herpes infection and is found in medical practice as often as herpes simplex in children of the first type. And we can say with confidence that almost the entire population is infected, with the possible exception of a group of people who live in isolation from the rest of the population.

Infection occurs mainly in childhood; if someone managed to avoid infection in childhood, then the likelihood of getting this virus also exists in adulthood (up to 45 years). Newborns and children with weakened immune systems suffer the most from this disease. This virus, like other types of herpes in children, enters the body inside the cells and remains there for life and can remain there in an inactive state.

CMV infection is a common infection and is transmitted from person to person by contact, that is, it is not difficult to become infected with it, since the virus is contained in all biological fluids of the body (saliva, sweat, blood, sputum, feces, urine, tears, sperm, human milk ). This infection process is called acquired. Receipt of viruses occurs asymptomatically and is not dangerous to the child’s health. But there is a congenital moment of infection or during childbirth, in this case the infection is dangerous for the child’s life, especially dangerous for newborns, whose immunity is weak and undeveloped; and for children without immunity at all, against the background of SIV infection. With congenital infection, there is a high probability of developing defects of the nervous system, heart, digestive system (problem with sucking and swallowing), genitourinary system, hearing and vision.

What are the symptoms of CMV infection?

The symptoms are very similar to colds, such as ARVI:

• Increased body temperature;
• Runny nose;
• Sore throat, redness;
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
• Weakness;
• Headache;
• Muscle pain;
• Enlarged liver, spleen.

Cytomygalovirus infection can be diagnosed using a laboratory ELISA test, which can be used to determine whether the virus is congenital or acquired.

Immunoglobulin class G appear in the blood serum approximately a month after CMV infection, it shows that the body has already had close contact with the virus and has successfully survived the infection. This immunoglobulin remains in the body for life and allows the immune system to quickly respond to increased virus activity. Immunoglobulin class M responsible for the primary immune response upon first encounter with cytomigalovirus.

Interpretation of ELISA analysis for Cytomegalovirus.

JgG + ; JgM — ; - such an analysis suggests that primary infection is not possible, an exacerbation began against the background of reduced immunity.

JgG — ; JgM + ; - primary infection requiring immediate treatment.

JgM – ; JgG +; — there is no immunity to cytomegalovirus, so there is a risk of primary infection.

JgM + ; JgG + ; — cytomegalovirus is present in the body and the process of exacerbation is underway.

To more accurately determine the duration of infection, the pediatrician will suggest that you take an ELISA test with avidity.

Avidity in CMV infection.

• 40% — recent primary infection .

40 – 60% — “gray zone” is an indeterminate stage of primary infection, must be repeated after 1-2 weeks.

More than 60% - highly active or long-standing infection.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection.

Treatment is carried out in acute forms of infection, when it is needed immediately; antiviral drugs based on interferon with vitamins; Ganciclovir, Foscarnet, Cytotect, Viferon.

Unfortunately, antiviral drugs will not cure the infection, but will help to avoid complications and the active stage of the disease and thereby transfer the disease to an inactive (latent) form. At one time, the latent form does not require specific treatment; parents will need to follow the child’s daily routine, proper and balanced nutrition according to the baby’s age.

Harden the body, take daily walks in the fresh air, and ensure a calm psycho-emotional climate in the family.

If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, it is necessary to begin treatment with antibacterial agents.

Traditional medicine can also be used in treatment, but since decoctions of various herbs are used in treatment, it is necessary to coordinate such treatment with a pediatrician. You can use herbal teas; rose hips, St. John's wort, birch buds, flax seeds.

Herpes virus type 6.

For a long time, this type of virus was not fully studied by scientists and was considered generally not dangerous, but now, pediatricians and other doctors have attracted the attention of herpes virus type 6. The fact is that this type of virus can cause acute and chronic morbidity of organs and cause severe diseases of the central nervous system, can lead to disability of the child, and cause harm; liver, digestive system, lungs, bone marrow. This type of virus, having entered the body for a long time, remains unnoticed by immune cells, which allows it to exist in it for a long time. It is transmitted through sick people and carriers of the virus by airborne droplets, even from the mother during pregnancy and childbirth. Children aged 6 months to one year are most often susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms

1. An increase in body temperature to high levels and the appearance of a pink rash on the child’s body.
2. Blistering rash on the skin.
3. Enlarged lymph nodes in different places.

After the rash, the temperature no longer rises, and there are no other manifestations of a cold. A rash in the form of blisters appears on the face, chest and abdomen and then spreads throughout the body; the rash can be confused with chickenpox, measles, and rubella. The child must be isolated and consult a doctor.

Treatment.

Since children are more often susceptible to the disease, it is therefore more difficult to choose treatment for this type of herpes in children due to the fact that it is too early for them to take many medications, and this is a huge problem for pediatricians and their parents.

From a young age you can use Viferon both in suppositories and in the form of ointment. Candles of 150,000 are recommended to be placed for 5 days, one candle twice a day with an interval of 12 hours. The ointment is applied to the elements of the rash in a thin layer up to 3-5 times a day, for about a week or a little less. When used together, the effect improves.

Complication of herpes type 6.

1. When a child's body temperature rises, convulsions may begin, which can be dangerous and provoke epilepsy.
2. Meningitis.
3. Encephalitis.
4. Pneumonia.

The seventh type of herpes.

Another type of herpes in children. This type is quite young, identified by scientists less than 30 years ago.

It is very similar to herpes type 6; it is almost impossible to distinguish them. Infection occurs in childhood. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, stays in the body for a long time, can “hide” from the immune system and is activated when immunity decreases. Just like all types of herpes, it remains in the body for life.

Symptoms

1. Temperature increase.
2. The appearance of a spotty rash.
3. Redness in the throat.
4. Enlarged occipital lymph nodes.
5. Or maybe without any symptoms.

There may be more manifestations of the disease, but the virus has not yet been studied well and it can only be detected by blood tests. Blood is given for ELISA, PCR, you can also do an immunogram, to check your immunity, as a rule, it will be reduced, and it is necessary to strengthen it.

Treatment.

Treatment is necessary when the virus is in the active stage; in the “sleeping” mode, the virus is not touched; according to doctors, there is no point. During this period, you need to strengthen your immune system; take walks in the fresh air, nutritious nutrition according to the child’s age, avoid stress, strengthen the child.

Herpes virus type 8.

It is a young virus that scientists identified about 24 years ago. It affects lymphocytes, blood cells, which are responsible for immunity in the body. It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact in adults, and in children during birth from the mother. Type 8 herpes is dangerous only for those children whose immunity is constantly reduced, and these are HIV-infected children; in others it is very, very, rare. Herpes virus type 8 is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. Mostly children from Africa are affected; lymph nodes and internal organs are affected. To identify the virus, blood is donated by ELISA and PCR.

In recent years, herpes viruses have occupied a special place among the main causative agents of viral infections in children, which is associated with their widespread distribution, wide diversity, multiple organ lesions, variety of clinical manifestations, as well as a high frequency of chronicity. Herpes-associated diseases are among the most common and poorly controlled human infections. This is due to the fact that herpes viruses can circulate for a long time asymptomatically in the body of a person with a normal immune system, and with immunosuppression, contribute to the development of severe diseases, including life-threatening generalized infections. Thus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the mortality rate from herpes infection is about 16% and is in second place after hepatitis among viral diseases.

Herpes viruses (from the Greek ?ρπειν (herpein) - to crawl) - a family of DNA viruses, united in the family Herpesviridae, which includes 8 classified types of human viruses: herpes simplex viruses - herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and genital herpes virus (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpes virus 6 , 7th, 8th types, as well as about 80 unclassified human and animal herpes viruses. The subfamily of α-herpes viruses includes HSV-1, HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus, which are characterized by rapid replication in various cell types and have a cytopathic effect on infected cell cultures. Beta herpes viruses (cytomegalovirus, herpes viruses types 6 and 7) also affect various types of cells, lead to an increase in their size (cytomegaly), and can contribute to the development of immunosuppressive conditions. The subfamily of γ-herpes viruses includes Epstein-Barr virus and herpes virus type 8 - Kaposi's sarcoma-associated virus (KSHV). They are characterized by tropism for lymphoid cells (T- and B-lymphocytes), in which they can persist for a long time. In some cases, they can cause the development of lymphoma and sarcoma.

For the synthesis of viral proteins and the formation of the virus envelope, its capsid and the DNA of “daughter” virions, amino acids, lipoproteins and nucleosides of the host cell are required. As intracellular reserves are depleted, these molecules enter the infected cell from the interstitial spaces. Due to the fact that herpes viruses directly depend on the intensity of intracellular metabolism in the human body, they colonize predominantly the cells of the epithelium, mucous membranes, blood and lymphoid tissue, which have the highest metabolic rate.

Virions of herpes viruses are thermolabile - they are inactivated within 30 minutes at a temperature of 50-52 °C, within 20 hours at a temperature of 37.5 °C, but tolerate lyophilization well. On metal surfaces (coins, door handles, water taps) herpes viruses survive for 2 hours, on plastic and wood - up to 3 hours, on wet medical materials (cotton wool and gauze) - until they dry at room temperature (up to 6 hours ). The uniqueness of herpes viruses lies in the fact that they are capable of continuously or cyclically multiplying in infected cells of tropic tissues (persistence), as well as being preserved for life in a morphologically and immunochemically modified form in the nerve cells of regional nerve ganglia (latency) and being reactivated under the influence of various exogenous agents. and endogenous provoking factors. However, the ability for persistence and latency in different strains is not the same: the most active in this regard are herpes simplex viruses, the least active is the Epstein-Barr virus.

According to numerous studies, by the age of 18, more than 90% of urban residents are infected with one or more strains of viruses. The main route of infection is airborne, through direct contact or through household items (shared dishes, towels, handkerchiefs, etc.). Oral, genital, transfusion, transplantation and transplacental routes of transmission of infection are also noted. HSV types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus are among the causative agents of TORCH infections, contributing to the development of serious diseases in newborns and young children. Herpes simplex viruses, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus are considered indicators of AIDS due to their frequent detection in this disease. The development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with herpes viruses.

Clinically, herpes infection in children can occur in the form of chickenpox (varicella zoster virus), infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), sudden exanthema (human herpes virus types 6 and 7), aphthous stomatitis (HSV 1 or type 2), mononucleosis-like syndrome (cytomegalovirus). In adolescents and adults, the infection is often asymptomatic, which is explained both by the biological properties of the strains and by the individual characteristics of the immune response. Often, when the body’s immunoreactivity decreases, herpes viruses act as opportunist viruses, leading to a more severe course of the underlying disease and the development of complications. The role of herpesvirus infections, especially cytomegalovirus, in the formation of infant mortality is great. The greatest threat to the life and health of children is posed by herpetic neuroinfections - their mortality rate reaches 20%, and disability - 50%. Ophthalmoherpes is severe (development of cataracts or glaucoma - up to 50%), genital herpes, generalized form of Epstein-Barr virus infection (infectious mononucleosis).

Herpes virus infection is a difficult to control disease. Despite the variety of medications used to treat this pathology, there is no means of providing a complete cure. This is due to the genotypic characteristics of the pathogen, the formation of resistance of herpes viruses and molecular mimicry.

The mechanisms of replication of herpes viruses discovered using molecular biology methods, as well as the study of the interaction of the virus with the cell, have made it possible to create a number of effective chemotherapeutic agents with antiherpetic activity. However, while effectively stopping acute manifestations of infection, they do not prevent relapses and do not always reduce the frequency of relapses.

Considering that with herpes-associated infections, as with other chronic diseases with long-term persistence of the virus, immunodeficiency states develop, in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment, treatment regimens, along with antiviral drugs, must include drugs that help correct the patient’s immune status. All this dictates the need to correctly select the drug, its dose and duration of administration, and, if necessary, use a combination of different drugs, while avoiding polypharmacy. A certain complexity of therapy in childhood is caused by age restrictions for a number of drugs, the presence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and contraindications.

Currently, the following groups of drugs are used to treat herpesvirus diseases and prevent relapses (table).

When treating herpes infections, an integrated approach should be followed. The duration and intensity of therapy are determined by the patient’s age, the clinical form of the disease, the severity of its course, as well as the presence of complications and concomitant pathologies. Treatment and preventive measures should be divided into several stages.

1. Acute period of illness (relapse) - protective regimen, therapeutic nutrition, antiviral drugs, interferons and their inducers. According to indications, immunoglobulins, antibacterial drugs of local and systemic action, glucocorticoids, neuro- and angioprotectors, hepatoprotectors, cardiotropic drugs, protease inhibitors are prescribed. Symptomatic therapy may include antipyretic, expectorant and mucolytic drugs.
2. Remission, subsidence of the main clinical manifestations (immunomodulators, adaptogens of plant origin, pre- and probiotics, vitamin-mineral complexes).
3. Prevention of relapses (specific prevention - vaccination, sanitation of chronic foci of infection, restoration of immune status, etc.).

It should be noted that the combined use of antiviral drugs and immunobiological agents has a number of advantages. Firstly, complex therapy provides a synergistic effect. Secondly, it allows you to reduce the dose of an antiviral chemotherapy drug, reducing the likelihood of developing ADRs, reducing its toxic effects on the body and reducing the likelihood of the emergence of resistant strains of herpes viruses. In addition, it significantly reduces the duration of the acute period of the disease and the treatment time.

One of the drugs that has shown its effectiveness in the treatment of herpes-associated diseases in children is inosine pranobex. Inosine pranobex is a synthetic complex purine derivative with immunostimulating activity and nonspecific antiviral effect. The drug restores the functions of lymphocytes in conditions of immunosuppression, increases blastogenesis in the population of monocytic cells, stimulates the expression of membrane receptors on the surface of T-helpers, has a stimulating effect on the activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells, the functions of T-suppressors and T-helpers, increases the production of immunoglobulin G, interferons, interleukins (IL-1 and IL-2), reduces the formation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), potentiates the chemotaxis of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. The mechanism of the antiviral action of the drug is associated with the inhibition of viral RNA and the enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase, which is involved in replication, enhancing the synthesis of lymphocyte mRNA suppressed by viruses, which is accompanied by inhibition of the biosynthesis of viral RNA and the translation of viral proteins.

Inosine pranobex is low toxic, well tolerated, in Russia it is recommended in the form of tablets for children from 3 years of age (body weight more than 15 kg). Abroad, it is also available in syrup form and has no age restrictions. The drug is prescribed at a dose of 50-100 mg/kg/day orally in 3-4 doses throughout the entire acute period of the disease (5-10 days depending on the duration of viremia and the severity of the intoxication syndrome). As maintenance therapy to restore immunological parameters, it is possible to prescribe the drug according to an immunomodulatory regimen (50 mg 2 times a day for 14-28 days). The high effectiveness of course therapy with inosine pranobex (50 mg/kg body weight per day in 3-4 oral doses, three courses of treatment for 10 days with an interval of 10 days), combined course therapy using inosine pranobex and recombinant interferon α-2β has been proven (3 course for 10 days with an interval of 14 days) in children with mixed viral infections.

The use of inosine pranobex as a drug with immunotropic and antiviral effects at various stages of treatment and prophylactic measures allows one to avoid polypharmacy, thereby reducing the drug burden on the body and reducing the risk of undesirable effects.

Literature

1. Kuskova T.K., Belova E.G. The family of herpes viruses at the present stage // Attending Physician. 2004, No. 5, p. 64-69.
2. Hjalgrim H., Askling J., Rostgaard K. et al. Characteristics of Hodgkin’s lymphoma after infectious mononucleosis // N. Engl. J. Med. 2003; 349: 1324-1332.
3. Nikolsky I. S., Yurchenko V. D., Nikolskaya K. I. Characteristics of active chronic Epstein-Barr viral infection: clinical and immunological syndrome // Modern infections. 2003, No. 3, p. 60-62.
4. Katz B. Z., Shiraishi Y., Mears C. J., Binns H. J., Taylor R. Chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis in adolescents // Pediatrics. 2009, Jul; 124 (1): 189-193.
5. Lerner A. M., Begar S. N., Deeter R. G. IgM serum antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus are uniquely present in a subset of patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome // In Vivo. 2004, Mar-Apr; 18 (2): 101-106.
6. Maakaroun N. R., Moanna A., Jacob J. T., Albrecht H. Viral infections associated with haemophagocytic syndrome // Rev. Med. Virol. 2010, Mar; 20 (2): 93-105.
7. Simovanyan E. N., Denisenko V. B., Grigoryan A. V. The effectiveness of the use of inosine pranobex in frequently ill children with chronic Epstein-Barr viral infection: results of a randomized trial // Issues of modern pediatrics. 2011, T. 10, No. 2, pp. 16-21.
8. Nesterova I. V., Kovaleva S. V., Chudilova G. A., Lomtatidze L. V., Kleshchenko E. I., Shinkareva O. N. Dynamics of changes in the phenotype and functional activity of neutrophil granulocytes in immunocompromised children with repeated acute respiratory viral infections associated with herpesvirus infections against the background of combined interferon and immunotherapy // Cytokines and inflammation. 2014, T. 13, No. 1, p. 113.

T. A. Bokova, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor

GBUZ MO MONIKI named after. M. F. Vladimirsky, Moscow

Herpes in children is a common recurrent disease of viral origin. Up to 90% of people of all ages are carriers of the pathogen. There are 8 types of herpes virus infection in humans. Parents are interested in what kind of herpes a child has, and whether it can be cured. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, transplacental and household contact. It is very difficult to protect children from infection, so special attention must be paid to strengthening the immune defense.

Causes of herpes infection in a child

In 84% of cases, herpes in a child occurs after contact with infected adults or children in a children's group. Infection also occurs when the disease relapses in the parents. Very often, a one-year-old child is already diagnosed with a cold on the lips, or herpes simplex type 1. This is due to the inability to stop contact between the mother and the newborn during the period of exacerbation of her illness.

Transmission routes

The source of infection can be any adult whose infection is active. The herpes virus is transmitted in several ways:

1. Bytovym. Infection occurs when sanitary and hygienic rules are not followed. Family members sharing the same dishes and hygiene items increases the risk of children becoming infected with herpes.
2. Airborne. When you talk or sneeze, the virus spreads through the air. It easily penetrates the body through breathing.
3. Perinatal. When the disease worsens in the mother during intrauterine development of the fetus, the risk of transmitting the infection to the child increases. Infection occurs before or during childbirth, as well as shortly after delivery.
4. Hemocontact. Often the herpes virus in newborns occurs during medical procedures. Blood transfusions and other physical therapy procedures increase the likelihood of infection.

Mothers who first become infected during pregnancy have a 50% chance of giving birth to sick children. According to statistics, more than 80% of children under the age of 7 are already carriers of the pathogen.

Who is more susceptible to the virus?

The likelihood of infectious agents entering a child’s body depends on the impact of negative external and internal factors.

Herpes infection in children occurs as a result of a decrease in the body's immune defense, which can be caused by the following reasons:

• hypothermia or overheating;
• inflammation of the ENT organs;
• poor nutrition;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Treatment with antibiotics, hormonal drugs and cytostatics also leads to weakened immunity. This creates conditions for the virus to penetrate and multiply in the child’s body.

Characteristic symptoms of diseases and their consequences

Clinical manifestations of the disease depend on the type of herpesvirus infection and the location of the lesions. Scientists have identified more than 200 varieties of herpesvirus, but only 8 of them are found in humans. All types of herpes in children differ in the nature of the course, symptoms and possible consequences.

Colds on the lips - type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common form of the disease. Like other herpetic infections, it provokes the formation of grouped blisters on the lips or nasal mucosa. Typical manifestations of oral herpes include:

• temperature increase;
• weakness in the body;
• burning sensation in the lips;
• blistering rashes;
• erosions and ulcers.

The first time infection occurs is through contact with infected adults or during fetal development.

Sometimes the first manifestations of the disease occur in infants as early as 7 months. Due to the underdevelopment of the immune system, the infection progresses rapidly. If left untreated, HSV-1 causes damage to the eyes (keratitis) or the lining of the brain (encephalitis).

Genital herpes – type 2

The disease is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Most often, infection occurs perinatally, that is, during childbirth. To understand what herpes looks like in a child, you need to consider its main manifestations:

• blistering rash on the genitals or anus;
• burning and tingling in the affected areas;
• pain radiating to the buttocks and thighs;
• feverish condition.

After diagnosing the disease, the doctor explains why genital herpes is dangerous, how to relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.

Delayed treatment leads to the spread of infection, the occurrence of herpetic sore throat or stomatitis. Such complications in a child under 3 years of age are fraught with serious health consequences, therefore, if they are detected, the patient is hospitalized.

Chickenpox and herpes zoster – type 3

The disease is caused by the Varicella zoster virus. This is one of the most common types of herpes, which, upon initial infection, causes chickenpox. In patients who have recovered from the disease, the pathogen enters a latent state. It remains in the nerve cells of the spinal roots for many years and is activated only under conditions favorable for reproduction.

In children under one year of age, chickenpox is mild, but when Varicella zoster is reactivated, it is not smallpox that occurs, but herpes zoster. The pathogen migrates to the skin along nerve fibers, so exacerbation causes severe pain. The infection primarily affects the trigeminal and intercostal nerves. In this regard, a rash appears in the ribs, lower back, and sometimes on the face.

With timely treatment, the blisters remain on the skin for no more than 3 weeks. In children under 5 years of age with weakened immune systems, herpes zoster is severe. When inflammation generalizes, it causes complications - postherpetic neuralgia, encephalitis, motor paralysis.

Infectious mononucleosis – type 4

The pathology is provoked by herpesvirus type 4 (Epstein-Barr virus), which can also cause other dangerous diseases - lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The contagiousness (contagiousness) of infectious mononucleosis is so high that the infection occurs in 48% of children under 4 years of age. But activation of the virus occurs only in 4-5% of cases, with a decrease in immunity.

Infection is possible both by airborne droplets and perinatal routes. Therefore, the likelihood of detecting an infection in an infant whose mother suffers from the disease is very high. Typical manifestations of mononucleosis in a child include:

• feverish condition;
• increased sweating;
• body aches;
• enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes;
• redness of the throat;
• swelling of the laryngeal mucosa;
• pinpoint rashes all over the body.

Often the patient develops headaches, pigment spots on the extremities and itching. The disease can provoke severe complications - meningoencephalitis, facial paralysis, hemolytic anemia, pericarditis, etc.

Cytomegaly – type 5

According to statistics, no more than 1.5% of children are born with cytomegalovirus infection, which is caused by type 5 herpes virus. Most often it is transmitted by airborne droplets or transplacentally.

Herpes in a newborn is manifested by the following symptoms:

• rashes on the trunk and limbs;
• skin hemorrhage (bloody blisters);
• hemolytic anemia;
• bloody impurities in the stool.

The congenital form of cytomegaly leads to brain damage. Such a child experiences convulsions, tremors and chronic fatigue. When infected after birth, herpes manifests itself as a cold. Delayed treatment is fraught with damage to the liver, gastrointestinal tract and pneumonia.

Symptoms of other types of herpes virus infection

Diseases caused by herpesviruses 6, 7 and 8 are very rare, but without timely treatment they are fraught with serious complications:

• Pseudo-rubella, or sixth disease, is caused by herpesvirus type 6. In an infant, it manifests itself as red spots and ulcers on the body, acute fever, and inflammation of the nasopharynx. Complicated by chronic fatigue syndrome and encephalitis.
• Herpes type 7 is caused by lymphotropic virions that are localized in blood cells. Transmitted by hematogenous and airborne droplets. Herpes in infants is manifested by fever, spotty rashes on the body, convulsions and fever. In severe cases, it provokes hepatitis and meningoencephalitis.
• Herpes type 8 is transmitted by contact, transplacental and hematogenous routes. Herpesvirus causes a systemic cancer disease (Kaposi's sarcoma) in a child, the symptoms of which are purple nodules on the oral mucosa and skin, oval plaques on the limbs and torso, diarrhea, and persistent cough. With a long course, it provokes elephantiasis of the extremities and lymphostasis (stagnation of lymphatic fluid).

When infected, virions remain in the child’s body forever, but most often remain in a latent state.

Neonatal herpes

Infection with a viral infection occurs during childbirth or during intrauterine development, therefore this form of the disease is often called congenital. The severity of clinical manifestations is determined by the period of infection: the earlier the herpes virus enters the body, the more severe its consequences.

In 40% of newborns, herpes infection occurs in a localized form. The blistering rash occurs mainly on the oral mucosa and skin. Generalized herpes is more common in children who were infected in the early stages.

What is needed for diagnosis

A dermatologist or infectious disease specialist makes a diagnosis based on symptoms, laboratory and instrumental studies. To understand what to do next and how to treat herpes, determine the type of pathogen. For this purpose, the following types of examinations are carried out:

• clinical blood test;
• PCR diagnostics;
• smear microscopy of discharge from vesicles;
• Ultrasound examination of internal organs.

When making a diagnosis, herpetic infection is differentiated from rubella, allergic dermatitis, and ARVI. After determining the form of the disease, the pediatrician draws up a suitable treatment regimen for the child.

How to cure herpes in a child

Treatment of herpes infection in children should be comprehensive. To relieve local manifestations, ointments and gels are used, and tablets are used to destroy infection throughout the body. Before treating herpes in a 2-year-old child, you should consult a pediatrician. Many antiviral and immunostimulating drugs are not prescribed to patients under 11-12 years of age due to the risk of adverse reactions.

The classic treatment regimen for herpes includes the following drugs:

• antiviral tablets (Valacyclovir, Famvir, Acyclovir) - inhibit the reproduction of virions and alleviate the course of the disease;
• antiviral ointments and creams (Virolex, Panavir, Zovirax) – eliminate the vesicular rash and prevent its spread to healthy tissue;
• immunostimulants (Cycloferon, Arpetol, Amiksin) – increase the body’s resistance to viral infections;
• antipyretics (Viburkol, Paracetamol) – eliminate the symptoms of fever, eliminate body aches;
• antihistamines (Clemastine, Diazolin, Erius) - relieve swelling, itching, redness and other allergic manifestations.

If the mucous membrane of the eyes is affected, antiviral eye ointments are prescribed - Acyclovir, Oftalmoferon, Bonafton. Also, treatment of herpes in children is accompanied by taking painkillers (Efferalgan, Nimesulide, Naproxen). Combined-action drugs not only relieve pain due to herpes zoster in a child, but also lower body temperature.

To cure herpes at home, you must follow sanitary and hygienic rules. Frequently changing bedding and underwear reduces the risk of the rash spreading throughout the body. Foci of inflammation are treated with local preparations at least 3-5 times a day.

Immunity to herpes

The human immune system is not able to completely destroy the causative agent of a viral disease. Virions are localized in nerve endings, so granulocytes, T-lymphocytes and other protective cells do not have access to them. Activation of HSV occurs only if conditions favorable for this are created in the body. When immunity decreases, the virus penetrates skin cells and begins to actively multiply.

Currently, trials of a vaccine against herpes types 1, 2 and 3 are still underway. But it does not protect against infection, but only reduces the number and duration of relapses.

To prevent herpes on the skin in children, it is necessary to monitor the immune status of the body. To increase the defenses, pediatricians recommend giving the child vitamin and mineral complexes:

• Vitrum Baby;
• Supradin Kids;
• Pikovit;
• Alphabet;
• Complivit.

Before using medications, it is advisable to consult a doctor who can accurately determine the dosage and duration of vitamin therapy.

Prevention

HSV is transmitted in different ways, so it is very difficult to prevent primary infection of a child during pregnancy and childbirth or contact with adults. But maintaining personal hygiene and strengthening the immune system reduce the risk of activation of pathogenic agents. To avoid relapse of the disease, you should: