[Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis--clinical aspects and anti-viral treatment]

Herpetic gingivostomatitis is the most common specific, clinical manifestation of primary herpes simplex type I infection. It is prevalent in the 1-3-year age group. The disease involves the buccal and gingival mucosa, and tongue and lasts approximately 2 weeks. Two recent open studies reported a more rapid regression of symptoms after treatment with acyclovir suspension. Three randomized double-blind placebo-control trials have clearly demonstrated that early acyclovir treatment significantly shortens the duration of all clinical manifestations and infectivity of affected children compared to placebo.

In conclusion, we recommend acyclovir for the treatment of herpetic gingivostomatitis. Treatment should begin within the first three days of disease onset. The proposed therapeutic dose is 15 mg/kg, 5 times daily for 5 days.