What’s herpetic gingivostomatitis?

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Herpetic gingivostomatitis is a series of lesions in the soft tissues of the mouth and around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus type one, also known as HSV-I. This virus is related to the sexually transmitted version of the herpes virus, except that it is generally transmitted through contact with the saliva of infected individuals. HSV-I cannot be cured, but usually after the first attack of herpetic gingivostomatitis, patients experience much milder symptoms in the future.

This virus causes blisters to form in the mouth. They can break and cause ulceration. The patient usually has a fever and the gums may become red and inflamed, sometimes bleeding occurs due to the inflammation. Herpetic gingivostomatitis is painful, and early signs of infection in babies can include restlessness, difficulty feeding, and crying. Once the lesions are present, the patient may drool, be irritable, and have enlarged lymph nodes.

Antiviral drugs may be prescribed during the first outbreak, but generally the recommended treatment is to focus on supportive care. This includes providing fluids to keep the patient hydrated and offering age-appropriate anti-inflammatory medications to manage inflammation. Children with active herpetic gingivostomatitis should also be reminded to wash their hands regularly and to avoid touching their eyes after touching their mouths, because this can spread the infection. Future outbreaks will usually be limited to one or two lesions that appear occasionally when the immune system is under stress, because the virus lurks inside the body.

Outbreaks of herpetic gingivostomatitis are usually seen in infants and young children. Children are commonly infected by sharing toys and space with children who have the virus, and it is a very common pediatric infection. A pediatrician can usually identify it with a quick visual exam. The infection is passed from person to person very easily, although encouraging children to practice good hygiene can reduce the spread of the virus.

Taking medications to numb the mouth is generally not recommended, because it can interfere with speech and swallowing. If a child has extremely painful sores, a pediatrician may be able to provide some prescription medications to manage the pain. It is important to ensure that oral hygiene is observed, even if it is painful. Soothing mouthwashes can sometimes help deal with pain, itching, and irritation. Herpetic gingivostomatitis usually lasts about two weeks, and providing the patient with as much supportive treatment as possible will help them recover quickly.

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