Herpangina is a common childhood viral illness that causes painful sores inside the mouth and throat, along with fever. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says it is most often seen in children ages 3 to 10 but can occur at any age. It normally clears within a week. The main job at home is keeping your child comfortable and drinking.
What causes it
MedlinePlus says herpangina is most often caused by Coxsackie group A viruses, which are contagious. A child is at risk if someone at school or home has it. Hand, foot and mouth disease is a related illness.
Symptoms
- fever and headache
- loss of appetite
- sore throat or painful swallowing
- ulcers in the mouth and throat, and similar sores on the feet, hands and buttocks
MedlinePlus says the ulcers usually have a white to whitish-gray base with a red border. They can be very painful, but there are usually only a few.
Diagnosis
Tests usually aren’t needed. A provider can typically diagnose it from an exam and questions about symptoms and medical history (MedlinePlus).
How to ease symptoms at home
MedlinePlus recommends:
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen by mouth for fever and discomfort, as your provider recommends.
- More fluids, especially cold milk products. Cool water gargles or fruit-flavored ice pops can soothe.
- Avoid hot drinks and citrus fruits. Fruit juices are too acidic and tend to irritate the sores.
- A non-irritating diet. Cold milk products, including ice cream, are often the best choices. Avoid spicy, fried or hot foods.
- Topical mouth anesthetics with benzocaine or xylocaine may help, though they usually aren’t needed. Ask your provider first.
Keep up gentle brushing once it’s comfortable. See how to brush your teeth.
What to expect
The illness normally clears within a week. MedlinePlus says dehydration is the most common complication, and a provider can treat it.
When to contact a provider
- Fever, sore throat or mouth sores last more than 5 days.
- Your child has trouble drinking or looks dehydrated.
- Fever becomes very high or doesn’t go away.
Prevention
MedlinePlus says good handwashing can help prevent the spread of the viruses that cause herpangina.
How it differs from other mouth sores
- Herpetic stomatitis is caused by herpes simplex and brings blisters on the tongue, cheeks, gums and lip border, with swollen gums.
- Canker sores aren’t caused by a virus. See canker sores vs cold sores.
- Thrush causes creamy white patches. See oral thrush.
If you’re unsure, ask your child’s provider or dentist. See pediatric vs general dentists.
Frequently asked questions
Is herpangina contagious?
Yes. MedlinePlus says the Coxsackie viruses that cause it are contagious. Handwashing helps.
What should my child eat?
Cold milk products such as ice cream are often best. Avoid acidic juices and spicy, fried or hot foods.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Child eating Push-Up ice cream” by Eden, Janine and Jim, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 2.0. Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.