2. Pain and Tenderness Around the Mouth Area: More Than Just a Simple Discomfort
It’s no secret that children have a unique way of expressing discomfort. A child with a budding cold sore might frequently touch their mouth or seem more restless than usual. This subtle change in behavior can be attributed to the pain and tenderness that a cold sore brings.
But why does a cold sore hurt? These are not just external blemishes. They are viral eruptions, causing the skin to stretch and inflame. This inflammation leads to the skin becoming sensitive, resulting in pain and tenderness. The skin’s response is not just cosmetic but also a protective reaction.
A curious fact about cold sores is that the pain often precedes the actual visible outbreak. The skin might appear normal, but the underlying viral activity can cause discomfort even before those characteristic bumps appear. The body, in its wisdom, sends signals that something is amiss.
For children, this can be particularly unsettling. They might not understand why a seemingly unblemished area feels sore. They might express this discomfort through subtle cues: avoiding certain foods, refraining from touching the area, or even vocalizing the pain. (2)
