🦷 Herpetic Stomatitis
Herpetic stomatitis is a painful viral infection of the mouth caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), usually type 1 (HSV-1). It most commonly affects young children but can also occur in adults.
🧬 Cause:
- Primary Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) infection
- Spread through saliva, direct contact with infected lesions, or contaminated objects
- Often occurs during first exposure to HSV in childhood
🩺 Types:
- Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis
- The initial infection, usually in children ages 6 months to 5 years
- More severe than future flare-ups
- Recurrent herpetic stomatitis
- Reactivation of HSV (often presents as cold sores on lips or inside the mouth)
🧒 Who’s at Risk?
- Young children who haven’t been exposed to HSV
- Immunocompromised individuals
💥 Symptoms (Primary Infection):
- High fever (often the first sign)
- Irritability, fatigue, and drooling
- Painful blisters or ulcers on the tongue, lips, gums, and inside of cheeks
- Red, swollen gums (gingivitis)
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat/drink
- Foul breath
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Symptoms may last 7 to 14 days, with ulcers healing without scarring.
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Clinical examination based on appearance and age
- Viral culture, PCR, or Tzanck smear (in unclear cases)
- HSV antibody tests (less useful for acute diagnosis)
💊 Treatment:
- Supportive care (most important):
- Fluids to prevent dehydration
- Pain relief (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Mouth rinses or numbing gels (e.g., lidocaine – with caution)
- Antiviral medication (e.g., acyclovir):
- May be prescribed if started within 72 hours of symptom onset
- Shortens duration and severity of illness
Encourage soft, bland foods and cold fluids (e.g., yogurt, ice pops).