Herpangina is a common virus that causes sores in the mouth. It is a highly contagious disease that usually affects small children from 3 to 10 years of age, though teenagers and adults can also get it. Children usually are exposed to the virus at school or daycare, and it’s most common in the summer and fall.
Herpangina is highly contagious, it's best to keep your child home from school or daycare while they are sick. Children can go back to school once sores are gone and they are well. The illness usually lasts about a week.
Small pockets of fluid beneath the skin
At back of the mouth
Painful
common
Pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat
common
Restricted movement of back
or Difficulty moving neck
common
or Swallowing difficulties
common
Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes
Herpangina is treated by managing symptoms. The illness will be different depending on your child’s age and general health, and the severity of the infection. Since herpangina is a viral infection, antibiotics will not help.
The most common treatments for the symptoms of herpangina are:
1-Ibuprofen: Used to ease pain and lessen fever.
2-Acetaminophen/paracetamol: Used to ease pain and lessen fever.
3-Anaesthetics: Numbing throat lozenges, mouthwashes, or teething gels may be helpful to reduce the pain caused by herpangina.
If you have Herpangina, then a visit to a family medicine specialist is recommended.
Contact a
Family medicine specialist