Herpangina

Herpangina (from herp, an itching, and angina, a sore throat, literally "a choking"; also called mouth blisters) is the name of a painful mouth infection caused by coxsackieviruses. Usually, herpangina is produced by one particular strain of coxsackievirus A, but it can also be caused by coxsackievirus B or echoviruses. It is most common in children. Though herpangina can be asymptomatic, symptoms usually associated are high fever and sore throat.

A small number of lesions (usually 2 - 6) form in the back area of the mouth, particularly the soft palate or tonsillar pillars. The lesions progress initially from red macules to vesicles and lastly to ulcerations which can be 2 - 4 mm in size. The lesions heal in 7 - 10 days.

Histologically, the epithelial cells show signs of intracelular and intercellular edema. A diagnosis can be made from clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment consists of minimizing the discomfort of symptoms. Aspirin is avoided.