Herpes Stomatitis in Children |
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DESCRIPTION
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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.
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CAUSES
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This infection comes from the same herpes virus that causes cold sores, but not the one that is spread by having sex.
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SYMPTOMS
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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.
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CARE
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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.
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