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Acute Herpetic Stomatitis:

1. Introduction: Acute herpetic stomatitis is a result of the initial infection with the herpes simplex
virus in the oral cavity, primarily affecting children and young individuals. The virus is
dermatoneurotropic, and the disease manifests acutely with high fever and a significant impact
on general health.

2. Four Disease Periods:

 Prodromal Period: This phase is marked by symptoms like burning, itching, numbness in
areas where rashes will appear, along with loss of appetite, insomnia, and general
discomfort.

 Catarrhal Period: This stage involves hyperemia, swelling of the soft palate and gingival
margin, and discomfort while eating.

 Rash Period: Characterized by the appearance of single or multiple lesions on the soft
palate, including spots, blisters, bubbles, and erosions. Severity can vary from mild to
severe.

 Recovery Period: The final phase involves improvement in overall health and the healing
of lesions.

3. Chronic Recurrent Herpetic Stomatitis: This form affects 15-20% of the population, with relapses
triggered by various factors such as hypothermia, trauma, stress, climate changes, medication,
and acute gastrointestinal diseases. It does not exhibit seasonality.

Treatment:

 Complex Etiopathogenetic Treatment: Involves high-calorie diet, antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir),
interferon, neovir, hyposensitizing medications, restorative therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs,
and immunostimulants.

Local Treatment:

 In the prodromal period, the application of interferon and cycloferon every 4 hours.

 Analgesics to relieve pain.

 Antiseptic treatment of the oral mucosa.

 Application of proteolytic enzymes and antiviral ointments, gels, and solutions.

 Use of keratoplastic preparations.

 UV radiation treatment in the oral cavity.

General Treatment:

 Non-irritating diet with abundant fluids.

 Antihistamines.
 Antipyretics and pain relievers.

 Antiviral medications.

 Immunomodulatory drugs.

Herpetic Stomatitis in Children:

1. General Information: Herpetic stomatitis is often seen in children aged 1 to 3, primarily due to
their underdeveloped immune systems and a decrease in maternal antibodies. It can also occur
in formula-fed infants during their first year of life.

2. Types: There are two types of herpetic stomatitis in children: primary acute and chronic
relapsing. Acute cases can lead to chronic infection or latent virus carriage.

3. Causes: Herpetic stomatitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus type I, transmitted through
various means, including household contact, airborne droplets, and vertical transmission from
mother to fetus.

4. Symptoms: The condition can manifest in mild, moderate, or severe forms, typically featuring an
incubation period, prodromal symptoms, fever, soreness, gingivitis, and vesicular eruptions in
the oral mucosa.

5. Diagnosis: Diagnosis involves a clinical evaluation, patient history, and various laboratory tests,
including cytological, virological, and serological studies.

Treatment of Herpetic Stomatitis in Children:

 Outpatient treatment for uncomplicated cases, but hospitalization may be required for
complicated or very young children.

 A combination of general and local treatments involving medications, hygiene, and


physiotherapy.

Prognosis and Prevention:

 The prognosis is generally favorable with timely treatment. In severe cases, complications like
herpetic keratoconjunctivitis or encephalitis may occur.

 Preventive measures include isolation of infected children, hygiene, and maintaining good health
practices.

This comprehensive text provides a detailed overview of acute herpetic stomatitis in children, its causes,
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, including both general and local approaches. It also
touches upon recurrent herpetic stomatitis and preventative measures.

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