Herpes Stomatitis

Common, mild, and short-lived and requires no intervention in most adults

In immunocompromised persons, however, reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection is frequent and may be severe

Initial symptom is burning, followed by typical small vesicles that rupture and form scabs

Differential diagnosis

• Aphthous stomatitis

• Erythema multiforme

• Syphilitic chancre

• Carcinoma

Lesions

• Most commonly found on the attached gingiva and mucocutaneous junction of the lip

• Can also form on the tongue, buccal mucosa, and soft palate

Acyclovir (200–800 mg orally five times daily for 7–10 days) or valacyclovir (1000 mg orally twice daily for 7–10 days)

• May shorten the course

• May reduce postherpetic pain

• May only be effective when started within 24–48 hours of the onset of initial symptoms (pain, itching, burning)

• Not effective once vesicles have erupted