Viral Stomatitis (Mouth Sores)

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KEY POINTS

• Viral stomatitis is sores and swelling of the inner lining of your mouth caused by a virus.
• Treatment may include antiviral medicine to make the sores heal more quickly or feel less painful.
• The sores are contagious. Wash your hands well after you touch the sores or area around them.

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What is a mouth sore?

Viral stomatitis is sores and swelling of the inner lining of your mouth caused by a virus.

What is the cause?

Several different viruses may cause stomatitis:

• Herpes simplex (cold sores)
• Varicella zoster (chickenpox or shingles)
• Coxsackievirus (hand, foot, and mouth disease)
• Cytomegalovirus (eye or brain problems)
• Epstein-Barr virus (mono)
• Human papilloma virus or HPV (oral or genital warts)
• Rubeola (measles)

These viruses can spread from one person to another by:

• Kissing
• Sneezing and coughing
• Sharing food, drink, or eating utensils
• Not washing your hands after touching the sores
• Oral sex

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Red patches, blisters, or open sores inside your mouth
• Pain, numbness, or burning in your mouth
• Swelling

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. Your provider may swab your mouth, test fluid from blisters, or do a blood test.

How is it treated?

Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medicine, or suggest a mouthwash to help relieve pain.

The sores usually last 10 to 14 days. Viral stomatitis is contagious until the sores are gone.

How can I take care of myself?

• You may want to eat a diet that is mostly liquid or soft for a day or two. Avoid hot liquids, spicy foods, and foods that are acidic such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
• Drink extra fluids, such as water, apple juice, and tea.
• Gargle regularly with a solution made of ½ teaspoon of table salt and ½ teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of plain water. Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol.
• Take acetaminophen or an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, for pain and inflammation. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, you should not take these medicines for more than 10 days.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age.
  • Acetaminophen may cause liver damage or other problems. Unless recommended by your provider, don't take more than 3000 milligrams (mg) in 24 hours. To make sure you don’t take too much, check other medicines you take to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Ask your provider if you need to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

How can I help prevent viral stomatitis?

Some viral infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, measles, and HPV, may be prevented with vaccines.

To keep from spreading the virus:

• Wash your hands well after you touch the sores.
• Avoid kissing or touching others with your mouth when you have sores.
• Avoid oral sex when you have sores.
• Avoid sharing soaps, washcloths, lip balm, and utensils for eating or drinking.