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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
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Dental and Oral Health (Adults) |
Yellow pustules on lips sore inflamed gum03/25/2008 |
My 15year old daughter has two pustule type sores on her lips and these are drying and cracking then the scab falls off. They now seem to be spreading, with more spots. Inside her mouth on the back molar her gum is inflamed with small spots. She says it is very sore and she cannot eat. Not responding to antibiotic Keflex.
The most likely condition that this represents is primary oral herpes. This is caused by a virus, Herpes simplex, type 1, and should not be confused with genital herpes, which is caused by Herpes simplex, type 2. Most people have this infection during the first two decades of life, and about 25% will develop "cold sores" (also known as "fever blisters") on the lips from time to time when the virus is re-activated.
There are a few other oral viral infections that might resemble this process, so it would be best if she is evaluated by an oral pathologist in order for the diagnosis to be confirmed. If it has been more than 3 days since the sores started, anti-viral drugs will not be helpful. Such viral infections will typically resolve within 1-2 weeks even without treatment. Make sure that she gets enough fluids so she doesn't become dehydrated.
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Carl M Allen, DDS, MSD Professor & Director of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Pathology Dental Faculty Practice Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology College of Dentistry The Ohio State University |
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