Herpangina

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Mouth anatomy

Throat anatomy

The symptoms are treated as necessary:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen by mouth for fever and discomfort as recommended.
• Topical anesthetic agents for the mouth (these may contain benzocaine or xylocaine, and are usually not required).
• Non-irritating diet. Cold milk products, including ice cream, are often the best choices during herpangina infection. Fruit juices are too acidic and tend to irritate the mouth sores.
• Increased fluid intake, especially cold milk products.

The illness normally clears up within a week.

There are usually no complications.

Call your health care provider if the fever, sore throat, or mouth sores persist beyond 5 days, if your child is having trouble drinking liquids or looks dehydrated, or if the fever becomes excessive or persistent.

Review Date: 11/18/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.