When blisters appear on children’s tongues, it may be a cause for alarm due to several possibilities such as Coxsackie virus and Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease. These conditions, as are most mouth infections, respond well to simple treatment procedures.
Causes and Symptoms of Blisters on Tongue in Children
- The main cause of blisters on children’s tongues is hand, foot and mouth disease, which is a viral infection that is very contagious.
- The said infection is a result of being infected by the Coxsackie A-16 virus, most often confused with the animal disease called hoof and mouth disease. Rest assured that these two illnesses are unrelated.
- Blisters may also appear inside the cheeks and can be very painful and bothersome for children.
- If a child is having difficulty in eating or drinking, it is very likely that the blisters are causing great discomfort.
- The onset of fever may accompany the appearance of blisters.
White Blisters on Tongue in Children
Noticeable white blisters on the tongue may mean oral ulcers or painful mouth sores that are often accompanied by a burning sensation.
- Viral infections can give way to mouth ulcers, often caused by herpes simplex virus in conditions such as Canker Sores or Stomatitis.
- The white blisters contain fluid inside the sores, located on the tongue and other parts of the mouth.
- In children, the condition is called Gingiovostomatitis. The tongue blisters are often joined by swollen lymph nodes.
- Sore throat may also lead to blisters through Mucocele, defined by small blister-like lesions appearing on the underside of the tongue.
- White blisters can indicate yeast infection, especially if there’s a metallic taste in the mouth.
Treatment and Home Care
- If the blisters are small and not significantly painful, allow the blisters or infection to heal on its own. These sorts of blisters would only last within a couple of weeks.
- For blisters that are due to viral infections, doctors will recommend anti-viral medications. Rinsing with lukewarm salt water can provide relief as well.
- For very painful blisters, the child may be given pain medications that are applied topically. Home remedy of honey may also help.
- To prevent spreading of the infection, maintain the child’s good oral hygiene. Advise the child not to touch the blisters inside the mouth to avoid making it worse.
Foods to Help Treatment
- Feed the child more fruits such as mangoes, papaya and apricots.
- Dairy products will also help.
- Avoid too much consumption of peanut butter, chocolate and nuts.