What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Herpes Stomatitis in Adults
Herpetic stomatitis is an infectious disease that spreads through bodily fluids or direct contact 3. The disease is most prevalent in children and young adults. Symptoms include painful swallowing, headaches, fever, swelling of gums and painful ulcers in the mouth. The ulcers normally heal within two or three weeks. The virus can stay dormant until reactivated. Antibiotics may prevent secondary infections.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Description
Stomatitis means "inflammation of the mouth." With herpetic stomatitis, the mucous lining of the cheeks, tongue, lips and roof of the mouth becomes inflamed 3. The condition can be painful. Redness, swelling and bleeding from the affected areas can occur.
- Stomatitis means "inflammation of the mouth."
- Redness, swelling and bleeding from the affected areas can occur.
Recurrent Disease
Herpangina in Adults
Learn More
Herpetic stomatitis is a recurrent disease 3. The disease is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and is the most common viral infection after viral respiratory infections. Stomatitis affects the mouth and lips. The virus can be dormant in the body and recur with these allergy, fatigue, respiratory tract infections, exposure to sunlight, menstruation and fatigue.
Treatment
Different antiviral medications are used in treatment of stomatitis, including acyclovir. Patients should maintain a mostly liquid diet during infection to speed healing and minimize pain, avoiding hot or cold liquids. Topical anesthetics, including lidocaine, can be used for mouth pain.
Complications
What Is a Cold Sore on the Lip?
Learn More
Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, a herpes infection of the eye, can be a complication of herpes stomatitis 13. If the primary infection of the mouth spreads to the eye, medical treatment is essential. This infection, if left untreated, can cause blindness.
What to Avoid
When suffering from herpetic stomatitis, avoid hot and cold beverages and foods 3. Prolonged exposure to sunlight should also be avoided. Tobacco products and alcohol should not be used during an episode of herpetic stomatitis, as they will further irritate the lining of the mouth 3.
Transmission
People affected with herpetic stomatitis should be careful about exposing others to the disease 3. It is extremely contagious. Kissing, sharing food, toothbrushes and linens can spread the disease. A person who has the condition is no longer contagious once the ulcers are healed.
- People affected with herpetic stomatitis should be careful about exposing others to the disease 3.
When to Call a Doctor
The symptoms of stomatitis usually disappear within one to two weeks. If you do not consume enough liquids, you can become dehydrated. If severe dehydration occurs, it may be necessary to contact your physician. Consult your doctor if you have an inability to swallow, high fever, severe pain and if any symptoms do not improve in 10 to 14 days.
- The symptoms of stomatitis usually disappear within one to two weeks.
- If severe dehydration occurs, it may be necessary to contact your physician.
Related Articles
References
- WrongDiagnosis.com: Herpes Stomatitis
- WrongDiagnosis.com: Herpes Stomatitis: Introduction
- NLM.NIH.gov: Herpetic Stomatitis
- Edgar NR, Saleh D, Miller RA. Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(3):26-36.
- Plewa MC, Chatterjee K. Aphthous Stomatitis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Updated June 12, 2019.
- B. Hennessy. Stomatitis (Oral Mucositis). Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated August 2018.
- Lankarani KB, Sivandzadeh GR, Hassanpour S. Oral manifestation in inflammatory bowel disease: a review. World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(46):8571-9. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8571
- Bertsias G, Cervera R, Boumpas DT. Systemic lupus erythematosus: pathogenesis and clinical features. EULAR textbook on rheumatic diseases. Geneva, Switzerland: European League Against Rheumatism, 2012. pp. 476–505.
- American Academy of Family Physicians. Canker Sores. Updated June 9, 2017.
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Aphthous Stomatitis (Canker Sores). Updated June 2018.
- Chi CC, Wang SH, Delamere FM, Wojnarowska F, Peters MC, Kanjirath PP. Interventions for prevention of herpes simplex labialis (cold sores on the lips). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(8):CD010095. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010095.pub2
Writer Bio
Janet Hunt has worked in the insurance industry for more than 15 years. Now serving in online marketing, she also has expertise in business and finance topics. Hunt received her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Hunt has also worked as a food services manager for a high school cafeteria and received her school nutrition certification in 2002.