4 month old - what is this?

[Chlandy]

My 4 month old son has a cold, stuffy nose and a bit of a cough, he's fine in himself but gets upset and frustrated when tired and not sleeping well due to blocked nose, he's also come up with this spot like thing on his lip? Is it worth a gp visit? He does suck his top lip in so wondering if it could be that? Also any tips to help him sleep, he can only sleep upright in the carrier at the moment... Thank you

[highinthesky]

It looks like a straightforward coldsore, not uncommon with coughs and colds. It will clear by itself in time, try and keep it dry if possible (yes I realise this is v difficult with a 4 month old, he's sucking his lip because its uncomfortable!),

Do be careful about who you allow to kiss DS btw. Its likely that virus was transferred from someone previously infected and active kissing him.

[highinthesky]

If his stuffy nose is stopping DS from sleeping, get some saline nasal drops from the pharmacy. His nasal passages will clear and he'll feel more comfortable. Its also handy to administer 15 mins before feeds so he can breathe through his nose whilst feeding..

[PonderLand]

Hmm, it does look like a coldsore from the photo, HPV can be very dangerous to newborns but as he's 4 months old I'm not sure what they recommend. If it was me I'd go to the GP if I believed my 4m old had a coldsore but I'm known to worry needlessly.

[Chlandy]

Thank you gong to book him in GP tomorrow to check it out, I was worried may be coldsore :( bought a calpol plug in for our bedroom (he still sleeps with us) for tonight so hopefully that may help him sleep better! Fingers crossed, horrible when they're not right X

[Chlandy]

I'm panicking now, should I ring out of hours? I know herpes virus can be fatal to newborn as my friend lost their little girl at 11 days old, but with him being 4 1/2 months old and ok in himself other than a stuffy nose, would you push for an appointment tonight or leave it till tomorrow? Does anyone know the risks in his age? I've tried googling but not finding a definitive answer! I know we're not medical professionals but any advice would be great thank you!

[PonderLand]

If it were me and my DS I would wait for a GP appointment unless I was worried about dehydration/fatigue/temperature or other signs. However if you are concerned then ring 111. I don't know if you've rang them before but they are very helpful, they will ask you a list of questions and advise on the next step.

[Sunshineandlaughter]

Neonatal means first month so at 4 months he's not in that category. If you are worried ring 111 though.

I see spots under his mouth too - are you sure it's not hand foot and mouth?

Saline spray and suction the snot out with the suction things you can buy from boots.

[Chlandy]

Back again this morning! The calpol plug in worked wonders he's still snuffly this morning but he was able to breathe much easier and slept all night with the plug in on! I rung 111 last night and they weren't too concerned but said to get him in at my usual gp today if it worsened or if I was still worried. The blister spot has almost disappeared today, it's just a small red dot (not raised) on his lip (the other spots/rash are dribble rash from teething he's had them on and off a while and seen a GP about it) so my question is, would you guys still see a GP today or will I be a frantic mother wasting time ha? Pic today of the spot on his lip (best pic I could get as he kept trying to eat my phone ha) thank you

[Sunshineandlaughter]

Do you know I think I'd leave it unless I was worried.

[PonderLand]

I'd leave it if it seems to be getting better :) glad he had a good night!

[Chlandy]

Brill thank you, that's reassuring, going to leave it but if he gets any worse or changes I'll take him straight in! Thanks again :)