Herpangina in Adults

Herpangina is a viral infection that causes sores or lesions in your mouth. Although most common in children ages 3 to 10, the virus has the potential to affect people of any age, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Causes

• Herpangina is spread through saliva via mouth-to-mouth contact or coming in contact with the stools of an infected person due to poor hygiene.

Time Frame

• Symptoms of herpangina usually develop within three to six days after exposure, reports Dr. Vinay Reddy of New York.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of herpangina in adults include fever, headache, loss of appetite, sore throat and painful swallowing. The sores caused by the virus are white or gray with a red border and are painful.

Treatment

• Herpangina usually clears up on its own within a few weeks, but treatment for symptoms is often given to make patients more comfortable, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Oral medications, like over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or topical treatments, like benzocaine, reduce pain, and cold milk and ice cream also provide some relief.

Considerations

• Herpangina is similar to another viral infection called hand, foot and mouth disease. The main symptomatic difference between the two conditions is that hand, foot and mouth disease usually causes a skin rash on your hands, feet and rear.