Oral Herpes Simplex: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Home Oral Herpes Simplex: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Oral Herpes Simplex: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 14-year-old male is brought to the ER by his parents due to painful mouth sores for the past 3 days. His vitals are remarkable for a fever. On physical exam, you note erythematous vesicles along the vermilion border and on the oral mucosa. Which of the following is the next best step?

A. Oral fluconazole
B. Oral acyclovir
C. Topical antibiotics
D. Steroid cream
E. IV doxycycline

Answer and topic summary

The answer is B. Oral acyclovir

Herpes simplex virus infections are common and are caused by 2 main genotypes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Infection location differs but can include herpetic whitlow, eczema herpeticum, herpetic gingivostomatitis, labial herpes, and genital herpes. Transmission occurs due to direct contact with mucosal tissue or secretions. Labial herpes classically presents as pain/tingling around the mouth and then vesicles that turn into painful ulcerations on the lip borders and oral mucosa. The treatment is acyclovir.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint EENT ⇒ Oropharyngeal disorders ⇒ Infectious and inflammatory disorders => Oral herpes simplex

Also covered as part of the Pediatric EOR, Emergency Medicine EOR, and Internal Medicine EOR topic lists

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