Herpangina

Also known as: mouth blisters.

What is herpangina?

Herpangina is a painful, contagious viral infection commonly occurring in children 3-10 years of age during the summer and fall months, which presents with blisters or ulcers on the roof of the mouth or back of the throat.

What causes herpangina?

Coxsackie group A and B, Enterovirus 71, and Echovirus virus are the most common causes of herpangina.

What are the symptoms of herpangina?

Along with blister-like ulcers in the mouth or throat, other symptoms include pain, sudden fever (often high), headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, drooling and neck pain. Most children improve in approximately 7 days.

What are herpangina care options?

Treatment focuses on improving symptoms and may include over-the-counter pain relievers (topical medications like lozenges and others), acetaminophen for fever, drinking plenty of fluids and eating bland foods that are not spicy or acidic.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: October 07, 2019 02:23 PM