I think my 8 week old has a cold sore...

[JJRJ1002]

Hi all,

My DD is 8 weeks and I think she has a cold sore, I'm panicking because like baby's do she puts her hands in her mouth often and I'm worried she is going to spread it ... Does she need to see a doctor? Or do I just let it pass?

Yes, she definitely needs to see a doctor. It can make small babies really ill. Sorry to make you feel worse.

Perhaps ring NHS direct. But if it was me, because I know I haven't had the virus myself and pass on no immunity, I would take mine to a and e. (I guess I'll get told off for this here, but it can be very nasty, and the earlier you can get antivirals in the better with herpes.)

Are you sure it's a cold sore? My daughter's was very obviously one within 2 hours of me noticing a blemish on her lip. .

Her immune system is still developing so I would phone a GP or midwife first thing tomorrow morning.

Does she seem well in all other ways? Phone OOH if not.

HTH.

I would take her to Dr's as cold sores can be quite serious in young babies. It's probably fine but better to get checked out especially with a baby that young.

Re putting hands in mouth maybe putting on little scratch mittens for the time being may help?

Yes, get it checked as soon as possible if it's a cold sore. But are you sure it isn't a milk blister? My DCs got these, after feeding for long periods of time.

I thought my DS had a cold sore and it turned out to develop into hand, foot & mouth - has she been exposed?

I would call 111 for advice now. The virus that comes with cold sores can be nasty in babies.

Thanks all, I took her to the doctor-who wasn't actually convinced it was a cold sore (probably me panicking that it was) but gave me cream anyway

How is DD now? Glad you saw a doctor. better to be safe than sorry.