Herpetic stomatitis

Alternative names:

aphthous stomatitis; ulcerative stomatitis

Symptoms:

• fever, may precede appearance of blisters and ulcers by 1 or 2 days
• irritability
• blisters in the mouth, often on the tongue or cheeks
• ulcers in the mouth, often on the tongue or cheeks; these form after the blister pops
• swollen gums
• pain in mouth
• drooling
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Signs and tests:

Herpetic stomatitis is normally diagnosed based on its very typical appearance. Laboratory studies are seldom done.