How Do I Treat a Toddler's Cold Sore?

Treating a toddler's cold sore will keep him comfortable and happy.

Cold sores can be painful at any age, but they are especially aggravating for toddlers. A cold sore, which is a small blister caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus One, typically comes out around the lip area. There is usually one blister or a small cluster. The cold sore typically last for a few weeks and blisters over. Treat your toddler's cold sore so that she is comfortable and pain free.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Cloth towel
• Popsicle
• Ibuprofen
• Herpes Simplex Virus One medication

Instructions

1. Wash the toddlers hand and face regularly to keep the area as clean as possible and bacteria free.

2. Wrap an ice cube in a cotton cloth and hold the package over the cold sore to numb it and ease the soreness.

3. Tell him to suck on a popsicle to numb the mouth area and alleviate some of the soreness.

4. Administer the toddler children's Ibuprofen or another pain killer to numb the pain.

5. Get medication from a doctor if the cold sore doesn't seem to be going away. Most cold sores go away on their own without medication in about two weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use aspirin for children under age 2 or any child or teenager who is recovering from chickenpox or has flu-related symptoms.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Cold Sores
• Baby Center: Cold Sores
• Children's Colorado: Coping With Cold Sores