Herpangina in Adults

Herpangina is a viral infection that causes sores or lesions in your mouth 1. Although most common in children ages 3 to 10, the virus has the potential to affect people of any age, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine 2.

Causes

Herpangina is spread through saliva via mouth-to-mouth contact or coming in contact with the stools of an infected person due to poor hygiene 1.

Time Frame

Symptoms of herpangina usually develop within three to six days after exposure, reports Dr. Vinay Reddy of New York 1.

Symptoms

Symptoms of herpangina in adults include fever, headache, loss of appetite, sore throat and painful swallowing 1. The sores caused by the virus are white or gray with a red border and are painful.

Treatment

Herpangina usually clears up on its own within a few weeks, but treatment for symptoms is often given to make patients more comfortable, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine 12. Oral medications, like over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or topical treatments, like benzocaine, reduce pain, and cold milk and ice cream also provide some relief.

Considerations

Herpangina is similar to another viral infection called hand, foot and mouth disease 1. The main symptomatic difference between the two conditions is that hand, foot and mouth disease usually causes a skin rash on your hands, feet and rear.