Toddler cold sores: outbreaks seem really frequent, is this normal?

[DorotheaPlenticlew]

Bit worried as DS (2.1) has woken up with his third cold sore outbreak since his birthday in mid-August. They don't seem to bother him unduly but I can't help thinking it's a lot of cold sores for a healthy little one to have in a short space of time.

Anyone know why this might be, or maybe you can reassure me it is normal? Hate to think of him having constant cold sores from now on throughout childhood Also a bit worried as I am pg now and I know cold sores are not great to have around newborns.

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if its definitely cold sores,unfortunately they remain with you for life.The virus sits dormant in the nerve ganglion until you become run down or go in extremes of temperature,then it comes out as a cold sore. Where abouts does he have them.
KEEP AWAY FROM NEWBORN...no kissing ,highly contagious
Has anyone that is in close contact with him had them at any time

Hi alypaly,

Yes, he's def got the virus -- had dreadful experience with primary herpes infection several months ago. I know it stays in the system forever; I just didn't expect his outbreaks to be quite so frequent.

It's the frequency I am concerned about and I'm wondering if it is common for toddlers with the herpes virus to have outbreaks so often. If so, it will obv make life harder once the newborn arrives If there is anything I can do that might minimize it, I'd love to know.

I had my first ever cold sore shortly after DS picked up the virus. I got it on the back of my hand (unusual, I know). DS gets them in the more conventional mouth/chin area.

how did DS get the virus or dont you know.

If he has an infectious viral stage near your delivery time...make sure you clean your hands properly and no kissing.

Oral herpes causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lips or inside the mouth. Cold sores and fever blisters are common in young children because parents can pass oral herpes on to their kids with a goodnight kiss or the children can easily pick it up by sharing drinking glasses or common childish play at school. so no kissing new baby if you have signs of it....the tingle you get before it erupts.

Sorry to add this in but i work in a pharmacy and this is really important with new baby on the way............it is from known articles on cold sores

Some precautions you can take at further spread of the virus that causes oral herpes outbreaks is to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching the lesion. This is especially important because those lesions associated with oral herpes are the ones most associated with ocular herpes infections (herpes infection of the eyes). Take special precautions when around infants or very young children. Herpes infections can be fatal to an infant as their immune systems are not capable of handling such an infection. Those who suffer from oral herpes should avoid the urges to kiss the baby and wait until all symptoms have subsided before doing so.

its not uncommon to break out up to six times a year

I think the initial stage is usually very bad so could it be one long stage IYSWIM?

Usually they flair up when the immune system is compromised so keeping him fit & healthy & stress free will help. Not sure how you do that with a toddler though!

Thanks for all info above. He is generally very fit and active, a healthy kid. Initial terrible stage was 3 weeks of utter hell and then he was fine for a good few months. So I think this is not part of the initial stage.

Will just have to keep an eye on the situation I suppose ... maybe it will settle down.