Abstract:

Herpetic gingivostomatitis is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), or oral herpes. Young children commonly get it when they are first exposed to HSV. The first outbreak is usually the most severe. HSV can easily be spread from one child to another. The oral manifestations include mucosal vesicle-erosive confluent lesions with a hyperemic base, rough outlines, with uneven and leveled edges, have erythematous margins and possess a pseudomembranous coating. 24 hours later, the vesicles rupture and form painful, small ulcers with a red, elevated halo-like margin and a depressed, yellowish or grayish white central portion. Although HSV gingivostomatitis is a self-limited disease, dehydration may result from poor fluid intake, drooling, and fever. Some children are hospitalized for treatment with parenteral rehydration. Early diagnosis is essential to initiate specific therapy to ensure a reduction in the course of the virus. The antivirus topical therapy is not effective after the 5th day since the onset as the virus is no longer present in the oral cavity. There is a high rate of hospital admissions per symptomatic case compared to that for other common viral infections such as varicella or infectious hepatitis, and thus it is of upmost importance that correct diagnosis is made followed by appropriate treatment.