Health Encyclopedia

Herpangina

Definition

Herpangina is a viral illness in which ulcers and lesions (sores) form inside the mouth, and there is sore throat and fever.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Herpangina is caused by the Coxsackie virus, typically Coxsackie group A viruses.

The number of cases of herpangina is unknown, but it is a common childhood infection. It is most often seen in children ages 3 - 10, but it can occur in any age group. Cases of herpangina at school or in the neighborhood increase the chances that your child will develop the illness.

Symptoms

Fever
Headache
Loss of appetite
Sore throat, or painful swallowing
Ulcers in the mouth and throat, and similar sores on the feet, hands, and buttocks

The ulcers usually have a white to whitish-gray base and a red border. They may be very painful. Generally, there are only a few sores.

Signs and tests

Tests are not normally necessary. Diagnosis can usually be made from the history and physical examination.

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

Prevention

Coxsackie virus is transmitted by contamination with feces, which means you can catch the virus by touching your mouth or eating without thoroughly washing your hands. Good handwashing practices can help prevent transmitting most viruses.

Being aware of other cases of herpangina in your neighborhood or school may allow earlier diagnosis.

Review Date:11/12/2007
Reviewed By:Rachel A. Lewis, M.D., F.A.A.P., Columbia University Pediatric Family Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.