Herpetic gingivostomatitis: Difference between revisions
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== Herpetic | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Herpes_Gingivalis.tiff|thumb| | | name = Herpetic gingivostomatitis | ||
| image = [[File:Herpesgingiva.JPG|250px]] | |||
| caption = Herpetic gingivostomatitis affecting the gums and lips | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| synonyms = Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis | |||
| symptoms = [[Fever]], [[sore throat]], [[oral ulcers]], [[gingivitis]] | |||
| complications = [[Dehydration]], [[herpetic whitlow]], [[herpes labialis]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[children]] aged 6 months to 5 years | |||
| duration = 7 to 14 days | |||
| causes = [[Herpes simplex virus]] type 1 (HSV-1) | |||
| risks = Close contact with infected individuals | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[viral culture]], [[PCR]] | |||
| differential = [[Aphthous stomatitis]], [[hand, foot, and mouth disease]], [[herpangina]] | |||
| prevention = Avoiding contact with infected individuals | |||
| treatment = [[Supportive care]], [[antiviral medication]] | |||
| medication = [[Acyclovir]], [[valacyclovir]] | |||
| frequency = Common in children | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Herpes_Gingivalis.tiff|Herpes Gingivalis|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Herpes_Gingivalis.tiff|left|thumb|Herpetic gingivostomatitis affecting the oral cavity.]] | |||
'''Herpetic gingivostomatitis''' is an infection of the oral cavity caused by the [[Herpes simplex virus]] (HSV). It is the most common clinical manifestation of primary HSV-1 infection in children, although it can also occur in adults. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingiva) and the mucous membranes of the mouth (stomatitis), leading to painful sores and ulcers. | '''Herpetic gingivostomatitis''' is an infection of the oral cavity caused by the [[Herpes simplex virus]] (HSV). It is the most common clinical manifestation of primary HSV-1 infection in children, although it can also occur in adults. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingiva) and the mucous membranes of the mouth (stomatitis), leading to painful sores and ulcers. | ||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
The onset of herpetic gingivostomatitis is often sudden, with symptoms including: | The onset of herpetic gingivostomatitis is often sudden, with symptoms including: | ||
* Fever | * Fever | ||
* Irritability | * Irritability | ||
| Line 14: | Line 29: | ||
* Swollen and bleeding gums | * Swollen and bleeding gums | ||
* Difficulty eating and drinking | * Difficulty eating and drinking | ||
The oral lesions typically appear as small vesicles that rupture to form shallow ulcers. These ulcers can be found on the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth. | The oral lesions typically appear as small vesicles that rupture to form shallow ulcers. These ulcers can be found on the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
Herpetic gingivostomatitis is caused by the [[Herpes simplex virus type 1]] (HSV-1), although HSV-2 can also be responsible in some cases. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva or lesions. After initial infection, the virus travels to the sensory ganglia, where it remains latent. Reactivation of the virus can lead to recurrent infections, often presenting as [[cold sores]] or [[herpes labialis]]. | Herpetic gingivostomatitis is caused by the [[Herpes simplex virus type 1]] (HSV-1), although HSV-2 can also be responsible in some cases. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva or lesions. After initial infection, the virus travels to the sensory ganglia, where it remains latent. Reactivation of the virus can lead to recurrent infections, often presenting as [[cold sores]] or [[herpes labialis]]. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of herpetic gingivostomatitis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the oral lesions and the patient's history. Laboratory tests, such as viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can be used to confirm the presence of HSV. | Diagnosis of herpetic gingivostomatitis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the oral lesions and the patient's history. Laboratory tests, such as viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can be used to confirm the presence of HSV. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of herpetic gingivostomatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Management may include: | Treatment of herpetic gingivostomatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Management may include: | ||
* Adequate hydration | * Adequate hydration | ||
* Pain relief with analgesics | * Pain relief with analgesics | ||
* Antiviral medications such as [[acyclovir]] or [[valacyclovir]] in severe cases | * Antiviral medications such as [[acyclovir]] or [[valacyclovir]] in severe cases | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for herpetic gingivostomatitis is generally good, with symptoms typically resolving within 1 to 2 weeks. However, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate, leading to recurrent episodes. | The prognosis for herpetic gingivostomatitis is generally good, with symptoms typically resolving within 1 to 2 weeks. However, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate, leading to recurrent episodes. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene. In some cases, antiviral prophylaxis may be considered for individuals with frequent recurrences. | Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene. In some cases, antiviral prophylaxis may be considered for individuals with frequent recurrences. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Herpes simplex virus]] | * [[Herpes simplex virus]] | ||
* [[Cold sore]] | * [[Cold sore]] | ||
* [[Herpes labialis]] | * [[Herpes labialis]] | ||
* [[Acyclovir]] | * [[Acyclovir]] | ||
{{Infectious diseases}} | {{Infectious diseases}} | ||
[[Category:Viral diseases]] | [[Category:Viral diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Oral pathology]] | [[Category:Oral pathology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:07, 9 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Herpetic gingivostomatitis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, sore throat, oral ulcers, gingivitis |
| Complications | Dehydration, herpetic whitlow, herpes labialis |
| Onset | Typically in children aged 6 months to 5 years |
| Duration | 7 to 14 days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) |
| Risks | Close contact with infected individuals |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, viral culture, PCR |
| Differential diagnosis | Aphthous stomatitis, hand, foot, and mouth disease, herpangina |
| Prevention | Avoiding contact with infected individuals |
| Treatment | Supportive care, antiviral medication |
| Medication | Acyclovir, valacyclovir |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in children |
| Deaths | N/A |


Herpetic gingivostomatitis is an infection of the oral cavity caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is the most common clinical manifestation of primary HSV-1 infection in children, although it can also occur in adults. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingiva) and the mucous membranes of the mouth (stomatitis), leading to painful sores and ulcers.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
The onset of herpetic gingivostomatitis is often sudden, with symptoms including:
- Fever
- Irritability
- Painful oral lesions
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating and drinking
The oral lesions typically appear as small vesicles that rupture to form shallow ulcers. These ulcers can be found on the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Herpetic gingivostomatitis is caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), although HSV-2 can also be responsible in some cases. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva or lesions. After initial infection, the virus travels to the sensory ganglia, where it remains latent. Reactivation of the virus can lead to recurrent infections, often presenting as cold sores or herpes labialis.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of herpetic gingivostomatitis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the oral lesions and the patient's history. Laboratory tests, such as viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can be used to confirm the presence of HSV.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of herpetic gingivostomatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Management may include:
- Adequate hydration
- Pain relief with analgesics
- Antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir in severe cases
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for herpetic gingivostomatitis is generally good, with symptoms typically resolving within 1 to 2 weeks. However, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate, leading to recurrent episodes.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene. In some cases, antiviral prophylaxis may be considered for individuals with frequent recurrences.
See also[edit]
| Infectious diseases | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This infectious diseases related article is a stub.
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