Herpes Stomatitis (Viral Mouth Infection)
Description
A contagious viral illness caused by herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV). In young children it may be their first exposure to the herpes virus resulting in a systemic illness with high fever, blisters, ulcers in the mouth, and inflammation of the gums. Adults get recurrences manifested only as a “cold sore”. The HSV virus cannot be removed from the body once infected but remains dormant within the nerve cells. When a patient experiences emotional or physical stress the lesions of HSV can return.
Symptoms
Fever, blisters and ulcers in the mouth, poor feeding, drooling, pain with swallowing, swollen gums.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A culture of a blister or a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test can be done to establish the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment includes: antiviral treatment (acyclovir/Zovirax), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
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