Noma

Alternative names:

cancrum oris; gangrenous stomatitis

Treatment:

Noma can be fatal if left untreated or heal over time even without treatment. However, it can cause massive tissue destruction before healing. Treatment with penicillin and improving nutrition halts progression of the disease. Plastic surgery may be necessary to reconstruct facial bones; this will improve facial appearance, mouth and jaw function.

Expectations (prognosis):

The skin lesions eventually heal even without treatment, but severe scarring and deformity can develop.

Complications:

• disfigurement
• discomfort

Calling your health care provider:

Mouth sores and inflammation occur and persist or worsen (or other signs of noma develop). Children who live in underdeveloped countries or areas of less than optimal sanitation, and those who are malnourished, are at greater risk for this disorder.