Herpetic Gingivostomatitis

Herpetic gingivostomatitis is the usual presentation of a first Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 infection in children aged 1–5 (DermNet). It causes fever, restlessness, drooling, painful eating and drinking, and swollen, bleeding gums. The NHS advises seeing a GP if a child has swollen, painful gums and mouth sores. In a toddler with eczema, this primary infection is when Eczema Herpeticum most often occurs, so the skin needs watching.

Connections

• Herpes Simplex Virus — primary HSV-1 presentation, source: DermNet HSV
• Eczema Herpeticum — risk window in eczema, source: DermNet 2023