FEVER BLISTERS
Herpes virus causes fever blisters. Herpes virus is a kind of germ. Fever blisters are sores that can form either inside the mouth on the gums, or outside on the lips.
When the sores are inside the mouth, it is a serious problem. It usually affects children between 1 and 5 years old. A child with fever blisters in his mouth can become very sick. He will not be able to eat properly. If he does not drink enough fluids, he can become dehydrated (lose his body water). This is dangerous!
SIGNS:
- sore throat
- fever
- crying, stops sucking 2-3 days before sores appear
- spit spills from the mouth because it hurts to swallow
- painful swelling under the jaw.
- bright red blisters on the gums, but not between the teeth. Blisters also may be on the roof of the mouth.
TREATMENT:
Medicine cannot kill the Herpes virus. The sores will go away by themselves in about 10 days. The treatment is to help the person feel more comfortable and to be sure he gets enough to eat and drink.
- 1. Give aspirin or acetaminophen for fever.
- 2. Wipe milk or yogurt over the sores to protect them before eating. Wash your hands before touching the inside of someone's mouth! Then give food that is soft and not spicy. If he cannot eat, prepare a special milk-oil drink for him,.
- 3. Give lots of fluids to drink.
Sores on the lips usually occur after the age of 5. They often appear when the person is weak and sick (for example, with diarrhea or pneumonia.) Usually there is no fever. The blisters soon break open and release water. When they dry, a crust forms. The blisters often return.
These sores go away in about 1 week. To prevent them from becoming infected, paint the sores with gentian violet, tincture of benzoin, or petroleum jelly. If you hold ice against the sores for several minutes each day, it may help them heal faster.