Dd1 has a cold sore, how do I treat it?

[Enid]

She's only 3 (poor thing). I get them too occasionally and use Zovirax, does anyone know if its ok to use at this age?

Also, the scabs have formed all over her nostril - I know you arent supposed to wash the scabs away but if I dont do that she cant breathe properly?

Any alternative remedies?

I feel really guilty as I passed the virus on and three seems awfully young to suffer with them...

ENid, I'm sorry to hear your dd is suffering, I get cold sores as well and my ds (2) unfortunately now gets them around his eyes and eyelids. He first got them when he was 1 and the hospital did prescribe him zovirax so presumably its ok for children, though I would check with the pharmacist. I don't use zovirax anymore as I think it just suppressed mine and I would get an even bigger one a few days later. I use either an iodine solution (I nick it from work as you don't seem to be able to buy it anymore) or Boot cold sore lotion which is basically just alcohol based but seems to soothe and dry them out more quickly. I get them round my nose and on the inside so it does slightly affect breathing, but I only get them on one side so just breathe through the other nostril. Does your dd have it on both sides. I was always told not to pick as I might get a bacterial infection on top of the virus and also more likely to scar. Hope she's not feeling too awful with it.

Poor baby My daughter gets them too and she hates them.

We used Zovirax once she was old enough to understand not to lick it. But I've since given up on that because I resent paying so much for something I'm not convinced works any better than our alternative treatment and goes out of date before we can use it all. Instead, we use neat tea tree oil as soon as she feels the tingle or as soon as the blister appears. This seems to do the trick.

Once the cold sore has scabbed over, my mum (also a cold sore sufferer) suggested any cream that will keep the scab moist to stop it itching and cracking.

My DH doesn't use anything on his. I wish I could have passed on whatever immunity I have

Not sure what to suggest about the scabs round her nose though. Can she breathe through her mouth like she would if she had a very bad cold?

Hope she gets better soon.

I've actually soaked it in warm water this morning and taken a bit of the scab off (to make a little breathing hole), then put some zovirax on - not convinced though that zovirax will help it heal...

Think I'll go and buy some tea tree and try that.

She feels horrible with it, poor thing. They nearly didnt take her at nursery this morning...would you mind another child at nursery with a cold sore - honestly?