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Noma

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Cancrum oris; Gangrenous stomatitis

Symptoms:

• inflammation of the gums and inner cheeks (redness, tenderness, swelling )
• the inflamed area ulcerates if not treated ( mouth ulcers , skin ulcers)
• the ulcers develop a foul-smelling drainage, causing breath odor and an odor to the skin
• the tissues begin to die ( necrotic )
• eventual destruction of the bones around the mouth cause deformity and loss of teeth

Signs and tests:

Physical examination shows inflamed areas of the mucous membranes, mouth ulcers, and skin ulcers. These ulcers have a foul-smelling drainage. There may be other signs of malnutrition.

• Review Date: 8/23/2005
• Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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