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KidsCare Online

Mouth Ulcers, Canker Sores

Does this describe your symptom?

  
  • Painful, shallow ulcers (sores) on the lining of the mouth.
  • The gums, the inner sides of the lips or cheeks are the usual sites.
  • Sores on the outer lips (e.g., recurrent fever blisters) are excluded.
    Cause
  • Canker sores are the main cause of 1 or 2 ulcers after the age of 5.
  • Hand-foot-mouth disease is the most common cause of multiple ulcers in the mouth, mainly on the tongue and sides of the mouth. It is common between ages 1 to 5 years.
  • The first infection with herpes virus (cold sores virus) appears with 10 or more ulcers on the gums, tongue and lips; usually between ages 1 to 3.

If not, see these other symptoms

  • If thick-walled, small-blisters are present on the palms or soles, in addition to mouth ulcers, see HAND, FOOT, MOUTH DISEASE (injury)
  1. Should I Call?
  2. Care at Home

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright © 2000-2008. Barton D. Schmitt, MD
Reviewed/Modified: Sept 2008 by Intermountain Healthcare, Inc.


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