Herpes Simplex Infection
Herpes simplex infection in childhood is usually acquired through the mucous membrane of the mouth, being spread in the saliva of a sufferer who gives the child a kiss - and a present for life, because herpes infections are with us forever. For much of the time there are no symptoms, but in the young child it may cause blistering and ulceration of the lips, the gums and the tongue, called gingivostomatits, recurrent cold sores or, in susceptible people, inflamed and infected eczema. This is one viral infection for which there is an available treatment aimed specifically at the herpes virus. It is most effective before the blisters of the cold sore are formed, and should therefore be used as promptly as possible.
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