child with herpes 1 - Herpes Message Board

jeanej1 · 11-21-2002, 12:58 PM

Hi,
My son got herpes 1 when he was very young. He is now five and everytime he gets sick the virus comes out. He gets in around his right eye and also in his eye. Usually on his nose too. We use zovirax(acyclovir) for the skin and drops for his eye but I'm trying to find out if there is something better. His outbreaks are really bad when it happens and he looks just like rocky did after his boxing match when they had to slice his eye open. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Jean

TheOneInFour · 11-21-2002, 07:08 PM

Poor little guy.

Have you talked to his doctor about whether he's at a safe age for any of the antiviral drugs? If he is able to go on a preventive, daily dosage at times when you know he's likely to get an OB, it might either prevent it entirely or at least make it milder and heal faster. Just a thought.

There are also some alternative remedies out there you might want to try, but I'd be careful about them because of his age. His system is likely to be more sensitive to things and I doubt much is known that's concrete about alternative remdies regarding age considerations. A qualified naturopath with a thriving full-family practice might be able to advise you about that based on their training and experience.

Good luck!

TheOneInFour

dquist091391 · 11-23-2002, 12:44 AM

I know EXACTLY what you are dealing with, my son got the virus very young,4 months old,he to has it in his right eye.He is now 11 years old.Dr.'s almost did the same procedure on him ,rolling the eye ball inside to let it heal.Tell me is he on an oral ancyclor(liquid?)
and what type of doctors treat his herpes?It took years to finally get the right compination of specalist and meds to gain control of the 30 plus out breaks a year.I have a pedeatric infectous disease specialist who admits him into the hospital any time the ob is to close to the eye or if the ob is really severe.this is to get him on the iv ancycloir asap
it is faster and much more effective.the damage had already been done cause he has 20/400 vision in that eye and needs a corneal transplant someday.Its too bad you are so far away were in ca cause my son thinks he's the only kid on the plant that has this awful problem.they both might feel better knowing their not alone.glad to be of help anytime

jeanej1 · 11-25-2002, 08:15 PM

Hi dquist,

Wow, I can't believe I found someone with the same problem. I could imagine how an 11 year old would feel with the virus. My son gets a little embarrased and he's 5. He is not on the liquid acyclovir, its a cream in a tube and I put it on his skin. For inside the eye my doctor gives me viroptic drops which I use every 2 hours till its under control. We have been to 3 different specialist and they haven't said anything different to use. I have been researching but I need to go farther. I'm hoping that he gets less outbreaks the older he gets. How has it been for you. Does your son seem to get less as he gets older? Do you know how he got it. I believe my son got it when he was a few months old and my friend that gets them on the lips kissed him under his eye with one on her lip. My mom was holding him at the time she kissed him and she swears thats how it began and now she "hates" my friend for it. I never said anything to the friend but I can't help but be alittle angry inside everytime he gets an outbreak. That was a life sentence she gave him. Well I'd love it if you e-mailed me and filled me in on the liquid acyclovir and other things that you tried. I'm sorry your son lost some of his vision. So far my sons vision is ok. We go to wills eye hospital when he gets an outbreak and they keep a close watch on it. My son is the middle child. I have a 12 year old Daughter, and an 18 month old son. Hope to hear from you soon.
Jean

[This message has been edited by jeanej1 (edited 11-26-2002).]

dquist091391 · 11-27-2002, 01:16 AM

wow is right,your starting to scare me cause I also have a 12 year old daughter and a 16 month old baby
mines a girl though.Listen as much info and experiences I can share with you and given the amount of space provided on this site I'll e-mail you with my phone number anyone else reading this can e-mail for needed herpes of the eye related questions cause Ive been through it all with my son and still dealing withit daily cause he also has adhd and anxeity attacks
making it a very vicious cycle anyway its