Actinomycosis

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Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

Lumpy jaw

Treatment for actinomycosis is long-term, with 1-2 months of penicillin given through a vein, followed by 6-12 months of penicillin taken by mouth. Other drugs have also been effective.

Note: Doxycycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted. It can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Surgical drainage of the lesion may be required.

Full recovery is expected with treatment.

Meningitis can develop from this infection.

Call your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms of this disorder. Beginning treatment promptly helps quicken the recovery.

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Director, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.