Treatment
Like the common cold, treating herpangina means treating the
symptoms and easing the patient's discomfort. For children, this
means ensuring they get the proper amounts of fluids and food,
because herpangina can cause painful swallowing and a loss of
appetite. Offer a bland, soft diet devoid of salt, spices and
citrus to lessen the pain of eating. Apple juice and warm chicken
broth are appropriate for young children, and older children can
suck on hard candy or gargle with salt water to reduce discomfort.
Cold drinks and milkshakes also can ease the pain.
Medication
Pain relievers containing acetaminophen are effective in
treating fever, headache and body aches associated with herpangina.
Over-the-counter medications are also recommended to battle
secondary symptoms such as runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea.
Topical medications containing benzocaine or xylocaine, such as
Anbesol or Orajel, can be applied to the sores. A physician need
not be consulted unless the mouth sores, sore throat or fever do
not subside after five days. Herpangina rarely lasts longer than a
week or results in any serious symptoms or permanent damage. There
have been a very small number of cases in which cardiopulminary
failure has occurred, and these mostly involve children less than
one year old. Common hygienic techniques such as hand-washing will
help you avoid contracting herpangina.