Treatment:

The symptoms are treated as necessary:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) by mouth for fever and discomfort as the doctor recommends
• Increased fluid intake, especially cold milk products
• Non-irritating diet (cold milk products, including ice cream, are often the best choices during herpangina infection. Fruit juices are too acidic and tend to irritate the mouth sores.)
• Topical anesthetic agents for the mouth (these may contain benzocaine or xylocaine and are usually not required)

Expectations (prognosis):

The illness normally clears up within a week.

Complications:

There are usually no complications.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• Fever, sore throat, or mouth sores last for more than 5 days
• Your child is having trouble drinking liquids or looks dehydrated
• Fever becomes very high or does not go away