Primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection occurs in young children approximately one week after contact with an infected child or adult.
Signs of oral infection include red, edematous marginal gingivae that bleed easily, and clusters of small vesicles that become yellow after rupture and are surrounded by a red halo. The vesicles coalesce to form large, painful ulcers of the oral and perioral tissues. The oral lesions are accompanied by fever, arthralgia (joint pain), headache, and enlarged lymph nodes.
The lesions typically resolve spontaneously within two weeks and do not scar. Fluid intake (including ice and popsicles) must be encouraged. There are some oral analgesics (such as Zilactin or Abreve) that can be discussed with your personal physician. In more severe cases, oral narcotics, usually in the form of elixirs, may be required for adequate pain relief. Antiseptics may hasten drying of lesions and decrease the risk of superinfection.
The Zovirax has been shown to shorten to duration of infection in some cases. If pain continues to be an issue, then another opinion can be considered.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Bibliography:
Delaney et al. Soft tissue lesions of the oral cavity in children. UptoDate, 2004.
Ask your doctor if your daughter has developed impetago. I developed this after exposure to the sun and developed cold sores on my mouth and in my throat as well as on the face and chin. I developed swollen glands and also had a high fever as a result.It took 2-4 weeks to resolve completely. As I recall, I was given some antibiotic (probably a penicillin) and was told to wash the area with physoderm (OTC). I think I recall also gargling with a mixture of some sort to reduce the bacteria. I was also misdiagnosed in the beginning which allowed the bacteria to spread. This sounds very familiar although I've never heard of it with a very young child. Always worth asking about, though.
look up coxsackie also called foot and mouth disease caused by the herpes virus...youmay get more info re this....if she doesnt drink well and continues with a fever she may need to get iv hydration....unfortunately it takes time and patience before it gets better.....try the popsicles and jello, ice cream ...when its down their throat it is very uncomfortable,,,maybe you could try rectal tylenol to see if it helps.good luck