Mouth Ulcers: What causes them in children?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For five days our two-year-old daughter has had mouth ulcers. She saw the GP, who prescribed some penicillin and a steroid paste to put on the ulcers. She had one dose of penicillin, but has refused to take it since then. Does it matter that she started a course of penicillin and didn't finish it?
Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:
Most mouth ulcers in young children are caused by virus infections. A common cause is herpes simplex, the same virus that causes cold sores. The first time a child comes into contact with the herpes simplex virus, it can cause a painful crop of ulcers in the mouth, often associated with swollen glands under the jaw. These will heal up naturally, but it may take up to a week, and it can be very painful. There are other causes of mouth ulcers in children, including the virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease. The penicillin was probably the wrong treatment, and it doesn't matter that your daughter started a course and didn't finish it.
Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments