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Herpetic stomatitis is a common condition in infants and toddlers caused by the herpes simplex virus, resulting in sores, swelling, and irritation in the mouth. It can be transmitted through contact with infected individuals and may cause difficulty breathing and swallowing. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription medications to relieve symptoms and reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Herpetic stomatitis is a common condition among infants and toddlers that causes sores, irritation, and swelling in the mouth. It is caused by a form of the herpes simplex virus, an incurable infection that is likely to return as stomatitis or cold sores throughout a person’s life. A child with an active infection may have painful blisters on the inner lips, tongue, cheeks or roof of the mouth. Herpetic stomatitis tends to clear up without treatment in about ten days, although pediatricians usually suggest bringing in children who show signs of the condition so that correct diagnoses can be made.
Herpes is a widespread and persistent virus, and the form that causes herpetic stomatitis can be transmitted in several ways. A child can become infected if they eat or drink after a parent, sibling, or peer has an active outbreak. A parent with a cold sore can pass the virus on by kissing their child on the lips. In many cases, it’s not clear where a young person gets the herpes virus.
In addition to blisters, herpetic stomatitis can cause swelling of the tongue and throat that can potentially cause difficulty breathing and swallowing. It is common for a child to refuse food and complain of a sore throat. Some children have high fevers, which lead to weakness, fatigue, nausea and chills. It’s possible to have herpetic stomatitis outbreaks as adults, but herpes is more likely to manifest as a cold sore in older individuals with stronger immune systems.
A parent who notices possible signs of herpetic stomatitis should make an appointment with a pediatrician as soon as possible. In the doctor’s office, your pediatrician can usually make an accurate diagnosis simply by examining the oral sores and asking about symptoms. He or she may decide to take a sample of saliva or a piece of tissue from an opened blister pack for laboratory testing. Once herpes has been definitively found, the doctor can help parents determine the best treatment options.
Most cases of herpetic stomatitis are short-lived, causing symptoms that last less than two weeks on average. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve symptoms and shorten the healing time of a major outbreak. Pediatricians commonly suggest oral anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and topical anesthetics to relieve pain and irritation. A patient who has a severe fever may need to be admitted to the hospital so that intravenous fluids and medications can be given. Children suffering from chronically recurring outbreaks may be prescribed daily medications to reduce the severity and frequency of the problems.
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