Is It a Cold Sore?

It could be a cold sore or impetigo. Since no one in the family has cold sores, the second is more likely. She will need to be treated by a doctor if it's impetigo. Otherwise, Abreva helps a lot with cold sores, although we just discovered from the doctor that taking Valtrex will help a cold sore as well. She'd need a prescription for that as well, if she's even old enough for it. I don't remember what a cold sore not treated looks like since we've always treated. Impetigo will break open and get an icky yellow crust. You want to start treating with antibiotics long before then as it will most likely leave a scar if it reaches that stage. Either way, she is very contagious. My husband and I were always careful with his cold sores, but after 9 years of marriage, I have finally caught them. So far, the kids don't have them. One thing that might help you diagnose is if the lip tingles or tingled before the sore came. Then it is most likely a cold sore.

I'm not sure if it is a cold sore, but just keep watching her. If she starts to get continued sores after periods of sickness, stress, fever, then it is probably a cold sore. The virus tends to break out after the immune system has been suppressed.

Cold sores are EXTREMELY contagious. I have had them since I was a child and I'm absolutely paranoid about my kids getting them, so when I have one I don't kiss them good night, etc.

If it was a cold sore it would probably bother her. They are very itchy.

As far as what to use on kids, I'm not sure. I know what I use, but I'm not sure what can be used on kids.

I would have her checked out by a doctor, especially at that age because theres a chance it could be infantaigo which I had as a child and I had to take certain medication for and it was very contagious that I wasn't allowed to even go to school. I hope this helps and gl.

I, unfortunately, get cold sores. They usually start out red and the slowly swell up and will look like a blister (or multiple tiny blisters). It starts out tingly and then becomes uncomfortable until it pops and starts to ooze. Then it becomes painful because it develops a scab and talking and eating can cause it to break open. It takes 5-7 days for the whole process. They can be tiny to very large and be on the skin around the mouth, on the lip, in the mouth, in the nose, etc.

They are very, very contagious. If it is a cold sore, she could have picked it up anywhere (just like a cold, you get it on your hand, put your hand to your mouth, bingo!) and she can spread it to anyone just as easily. Make sure she washes her hands a lot (especially after touching her mouth) and doesn't share drinks, utensils, etc, and no kissing.

Once you get a cold sore, you'll get them for the rest of your life because there is no cure for the virus. They can be triggered by coming in contact with someone who has one (by sharing a cup, kissing, etc), change of weather (I get one each spring and fall), excessive sunlight, stress, etc.

I treat mine with OTC Abreva, which helps with the pain and can shorten the duration by a couple of days, but I'm not sure if it's safe for kids so ask the Pharmacist. If it's not, a safe bet is to break open vitamin E capsules and slather that on it. It's more about making her comfortable than anything else.

For her sake, I hope it's something else. It's not a fun thing to deal with.