Herpes is of two types: oral herpes and genital herpes. While the latter is caused by the herpes simplex virus 2, the first is brought about by herpes simplex virus 1. Oral herpes causes sores and blisters to appear around the mouth region, including on the lips. The herpes simplex virus 1 usually lies dormant in the body, until the individual gets ill and their immune system takes a hit. Right then, the virus wakes up and could easily spread via skin contact. Since youngsters, kids and infants have a weaker immune system when compared to adults, they have a high chance of catching the infection, which could mean a problem. As it is, kids already feel embarrassed when cold sores appear, as they are painful and do not look flattering. Sadly, the cycle takes about 10 days, which could be a matter of concern if the child/kid goes to school. Being around other children may cause the infection to spread easily, which starts a terrifying cycle.

Instead of catching oral herpes, passing it on to your child/children, the best thing you could do is try to keep them safe from the virus itself. Children are young and do not understand the fact that they should not be sharing different things with you or whoever has oral herpes. Therefore, it is up to you to make sure that all areas that have come in contact with your sores need to be washed thoroughly.

This is not just it! Since the herpes virus looks for cuts and openings on the potential patients around you, make sure to remind your child to apply the likes of lip balm at all times. If you wish to make a natural lip balm of your own, follow these steps:

• Take 1 part beeswax pearls, 2 parts sweet almond oil and a few drops of wheat germ oil.
• Heat the two oils together in a pan and add the beeswax pearls.
• Allow the mixture to cool and then add some drops of essentials oils.
• Pour into tubs and small, personal jars.

Since the herpes virus requires arginine to thrive, foods rich in that should be avoided, such as cashews, chocolate, grain cereals, cola, peas, and much more. Furthermore, teach your children to wash their hands regularly and keep items like toys away from their mouth. Additionally, do give them a bottle of hand sanitizer for the time they are outside. If your child already has cold sores, prevent them from sharing or borrowing towels, toys or handkerchiefs, since this could only spread the infection to other children.

It is crucial that your child does not lick the sores and blisters around his/her mouth. They should keep the region dry at all times, allowing quick healing. If you want, you could press a slightly damp teabag to their sores. Tea has tannic acid, which has antiviral properties to help the blisters and sores.

Since toothbrushes touch the cold sores, you could buy a new one for your child when the blisters appear, only to change it on the day the blisters get healed completely. To treat the cold sores, make use of essential oils since they act as preventatives.