Childhood stomatitis is a very common problem among children. Some moms are alarmed by their baby’s persistent crying and refusal to eat, which can be the first signs. Childhood stomatitis is a viral proliferation that infects the child’s mouth. Usually, this disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Characteristics of stomatitis

Childhood stomatitis is very painful and can cause extreme discomfort for the affected baby or child1. These are patches of painful lesions that can cause discomfort and pain upon contact with any food. Most cases of childhood stomatitis affect not only the child’s mouth but can also affect the throat and esophagus.

The sores from stomatitis are usually whitish and are similar to the canker sores that we can get throughout our lives. The aggravating factor, in this case, is that there are several of these sores and they are probably “inflamed”.

A large part of childhood stomatitis cases occur during the colder times of the year. Enclosed environments with crowds, such as daycares, are perfect settings for the proliferation of the HSV-1 virus responsible for the disease.

Explanatory video

Symptoms of Childhood Stomatitis

Many children affected by stomatitis may have persistent fever as their first symptom, which stays high and lasts for more than 3 days. Soon after, loss of appetite and constant crying may occur2.

Older children will be able to say that something is bothering them in the mouth or throat. Babies are more vulnerable, as they won’t be able to report symptoms. It is up to the mother to check what is happening and, if necessary, take the child to a doctor.

Signs

  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Moderate to high fever (may reach 39°)
  • Sores on the cheek (outer part)
  • Whitish or reddish sores in the mouth with possible presence of pus patches

How to Diagnose Childhood Stomatitis

Diagnosing childhood stomatitis is relatively simple. An on-call pediatrician can easily detect it with a simple clinical exam. The transmission of stomatitis in babies and children occurs for various reasons, including and especially low immunity. However, most transmissions occur in children from 1 to 6 years old and even under one year, most often of school age or in daycare.

Transmission

Transmission can happen through skin-to-skin contact and also putting dirty hands in the mouth. Therefore, it is important to frequently wash children’s hands. If the child uses pacifiers or bottle nipples, wash and sterilize them daily.

Excessive medication, such as in children undergoing some type of treatment, can cause stomatitis without actual contagion. This would be a natural reaction of the body.

Treatment of Childhood Stomatitis

Treatment of childhood stomatitis is based on painkillers, which will certainly relieve the pain. However, in cases caused by viruses, there is nothing more that can be done, since the crisis is not cured with antibiotics. Oral and topical medications can be administered to help with pain and fever.

They also help make it easier for the child to eat food and drink liquids, which in these cases are refused because of the pain stomatitis causes. Home treatments include cold foods that ease the discomfort.

It is also a good idea to include cold foods such as yogurt, ice cream, and non-citrus juices, which are easily accepted. Fruits are a good option, as well as cold, very soft soups to help with swallowing.

How Long Does It Last

Childhood stomatitis outbreaks can last from one week to ten days, but become milder over time3. If the crisis persists for more than ten days, mothers should return to the doctor to check for the presence of other viruses or bacteria that may take advantage and create new colonies of diseases.

Bacteria such as candida and others can cause the sores and lesions to last longer. At this stage, the infections will no longer be viral, as the time period for the virus to remain active has already passed.

If the childhood stomatitis outbreak occurs again, a doctor should investigate the cause. Recurring outbreaks are usually due to low immunity. However, evaluation by a specialist is essential.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no prevention method that will 100% guarantee your child will not catch stomatitis. The virus can be found in both adults and children and is spread through contact.

What can be done is to avoid contact with those who are already sick, thus reducing the risk for your child. The same care should be taken when our children have stomatitis, not sending them to school and keeping them from passing it on to their friends.

Author’s Note

All three of my children had stomatitis, almost at the same time. Joana even had to be hospitalized due to a high fever, only to control her temperature and prevent greater problems, because her temperature reached over 40°.

With Melissa and Eduardo it was simpler. Although they didn’t want to eat properly, cold or chilled foods gave a kind of anesthesia and it was relatively easy.

Don’t be afraid, the sores dry up on their own, it’s a matter of time. Medication is for symptoms, allowing time for the virus to subside is essential, but cleaning should be done whenever possible to prevent the case from getting worse.

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