Herpetic stomatitis

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Swollen gums

Herpetic stomatitis is a viral infection of the mouth characterized by ulcers and inflammation. These mouth ulcers are not the same as  canker sores, which are caused by a different virus.

Stomatitis - herpetic

Herpetic stomatitis is a contagious viral illness caused by Herpes virus hominis (also herpes simplex virus, HSV) and is seen mainly in young children. This condition is probably a child's first exposure to the herpes virus, and it can result in a systemic illness with high fever (often as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit), blisters, ulcers in the mouth, and inflammation of the gums.

The inside of the cheeks and tongue frequently develop ulcers 1 - 5 mm in diameter with a grayish-white base and a reddish perimeter. These ulcers are very painful and cause drooling, difficulty swallowing, and decrease in food intake (even if the patient is hungry).

An adult member of the family may have a cold sore at the time the child develops the herpetic stomatitis. More likely, no source for the infection will be discovered. The illness clears up and ulcers are generally healed within 10 days.

Review Date: 11/21/2005
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.