WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Herpes (HER-pees) stomatitis (sto-ma-TIE-tis) is an
infection in the mouth caused by the herpes virus. The
condition is also called herpetic stomatitis and herpes
gingivostomatitis. For the most part, it occurs in young
children who have never had the virus before. There are usually
many small open blisters inside the mouth, on the tongue and
gums. The blisters usually heal in 1 to 2
weeks.
Causes
This infection comes from the
same herpes virus that causes cold sores, but not the one that
is spread by having sex.
Signs/Symptoms
The chief symptoms are sore, open
blisters and swelling of the lips, mouth, and tongue. Your
child may have a high fever and feel tired. Because the mouth
hurts, it will be hard to eat and swallow. The child may also
have a sore throat.
Care
Your child may need medicine for
pain and fever. You may also be given pain medicine that can be
put on the sores. In very bad cases, medicine that helps to
control the virus may be prescribed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
You may give acetaminophen for pain or fever, but do
NOT give aspirin.
-
Give the child cool liquids. This may be soothing to
the mouth and help numb the pain. Good choices are milk,
milkshakes, and clear liquids. Don't give citrus or
carbonated drinks such as orange or grapefruit juice,
lemonade, or soda. These will make the sores hurt more. Use
a straw if there are blisters on the lips or end of the
tongue.
-
Feed the child soft foods to make chewing and
swallowing easier. Good choices are strained baby foods,
soft fruits, mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, and
pudding. Avoid salty, spicy, and hard
foods.
-
After each meal, rinse the child's mouth with warm
water. You may be asked to have the child rinse or gargle
with salt water.
-
Wash your hands and the child's hands often, and
especially before eating.
-
Wash any toys that find their way into the child's
mouth before and after the child plays with
them.
-
To keep from spreading the virus, tell your child not
to share drinks or food with others.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your child will not drink and cannot
swallow.
-
Your child has a high
temperature.
-
Your child becomes more fussy or won't stop
crying.
-
Your child isn't better in a few
days.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
Your child has a very high
temperature.
-
Your child becomes dehydrated from not getting enough
fluids. Signs of dehydration include no urination in 8
hours, dry and cracked lips, no tears when crying, and, in
babies, sinking of the soft spot on the top of the
head.
-
Your child is weak or more sleepy than usual and is
hard to wake up.
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