Treatment:

Herpetic stomatitis can be treated with the acyclovir family of antiviral medications.

A mostly liquid diet, consisting of cool-to-cold, nonacidic drinks should be provided while the child's mouth is very sore.

An oral topical anesthetic (viscous lidocaine) is available for severe pain, but it must be used with care. The anesthetic deadens all sensation and may interfere with swallowing, meaning the child may unknowingly burn the mouth or throat on hot liquids, or choke. In addition, there are rare reports of death from overdosage and misuse of lidocaine.

Expectations (prognosis):

Complete recovery is expected within 10 days without medical treatment. Oral acyclovir may speed up recovery.

Complications:

Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, a secondary herpes infection in the eye, may develop. This is an emergency and can lead to blindness. Dehydration may develop if the child refuses to eat and drink enough because of a sore mouth.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child develops a fever followed by a sore mouth, especially if they begin eating poorly (dehydration can develop rapidly in children).