Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Cold Sores Cause Brain And Ear Damage?
Question: Hello,
We have a 4 month old granddaughter, the parents our son and daughter in law are first time parents. I am afflicted by cold sores and the kids are insisting cold sores can cause their daughter brain damage, to become deaf among other things. I practice excellent hand washing, and don't put my face on the child.
They are insisting I get a prescription that prevents cold sores which I intend to do, I have an appointment with my primary physician. Are they being overly zealot? XXXXX
We have a 4 month old granddaughter, the parents our son and daughter in law are first time parents. I am afflicted by cold sores and the kids are insisting cold sores can cause their daughter brain damage, to become deaf among other things. I practice excellent hand washing, and don't put my face on the child.
They are insisting I get a prescription that prevents cold sores which I intend to do, I have an appointment with my primary physician. Are they being overly zealot? XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Avoid kissing the baby. Suppressive drugs prevent recurrences
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Cold sores can be transmitted to children, no doubt. But brain and ear damage due to cold sore are extremely rare possibilities. Cold sores are so common whereas these complications could be seen only once or twice in a lifetime even by a busy practitioner.
Avoiding kissing the baby is enough to prevent the transmission of virus. As you had mentioned that the washing of hands with soap and water or a hand wash when handling the child offers an extra protection. Baby's parents have to assured.
There are drugs to suppress the recurrent attacks of cold sores and the viral shedding. You can approach to an Infectious Disease specialist or a Dermatologist. They can help you.
Dr S.Murugan
Avoid kissing the baby. Suppressive drugs prevent recurrences
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Cold sores can be transmitted to children, no doubt. But brain and ear damage due to cold sore are extremely rare possibilities. Cold sores are so common whereas these complications could be seen only once or twice in a lifetime even by a busy practitioner.
Avoiding kissing the baby is enough to prevent the transmission of virus. As you had mentioned that the washing of hands with soap and water or a hand wash when handling the child offers an extra protection. Baby's parents have to assured.
There are drugs to suppress the recurrent attacks of cold sores and the viral shedding. You can approach to an Infectious Disease specialist or a Dermatologist. They can help you.
Dr S.Murugan
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
