Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis: A Therapeutic Approach to Primary Health Care

Abstract

Background Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (PHGS) is the most common manifestation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection with characteristics of oral and/or perioral vesicular ulcerative lesions, inflamed gingival margins, and characteristic prodromal symptoms. This disease is common in children. It is a self-limiting disease and no need for a laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis. Treatments include causative, symptomatic, and supportive therapies. The drug of choice for causative agent elimination used in this case was acyclovir. Case Report. This paper reported and discussed a case of PHGS diagnosed based on the patient's anamnesis and typical clinical picture. It was in the form of ulcerated lesions on the oral and perioral mucosa and generalized inflammation of the gingiva. The treatment result was the patient recovered with routine Acyclovir therapy, Benzidamine HCl mouthwash, antipyretic and supportive therapy i.e multivitamins, hydration, liquid diet of High Calories High Protein (HCHP), and adequate rest. The patient was then followed up closely each third day to record the disease’s progress. Although antiviral acyclovir was only indicated for immunocompromised children, in this case, it helps the patient to prevent further exacerbation and shorten the duration of illness. Conclusion PHGS therapy includes causative, symptomatic, and supportive therapy. Administration of the antiviral drug acyclovir was still effective and if the patient arrives after the 72-hour phase acyclovir is still needed to prevent further spread of the virus.