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- This is a viral illness which has
oral findings only.
- It is most commonly seen in infants
and young children who are in preschool and daycare centers.
- While it is possible to have these infections more than once, it is relatively rare, and most adult caregivers are not at risk of contracting the disease from affected children.
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- Symptoms last between 3 and 6 days
- Ulcers on the lips, gums, tongue,
inside of the cheeks, and the back of the throat
- Small blisters surrounded by
redness and pus on the roof of the mouth, inside of the
cheeks, and the back of the throat
- Fevers, often above 101 degrees
- Extreme irritability
- Poor appetite (because of the pain involved with the oral lesions) -- which can result in dehydration
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- It is caused by Coxsackievirus A.
- This virus is transmitted in saliva.
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- Diagnosis is clinical; no laboratory studies are necessary
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- There is no therapy to cure the
infection or hasten its resolution.
- Hydration
- Over-the-counter (OTC) oral
antiseptic/analgesic combinations, such as Oragel for
relieving pain
- The duration of action is short
- Side effects from the topical
anesthetics used are possible.
- They should not be used more
often than recommended on the packaging.
- OTC throat sprays to reach lesions
in the back of the mouth for older children who can
cooperate.
- In severe cases, prescription topical medications prepared by a pharmacist, or oral medications containing codeine may be useful
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- Prevent exposure to Coxsackievirus
infections; this is often difficult, because infected
children are usually contagious before any symptoms are
recognized.
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