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What Causes Blisters In Mouth In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Dec 2015
Question: Im very achy with fku like symptoms but there are blisters in my mouth . The blisters are very tender,sore on the roof of my mouth. Im a male 55 yrs. Ive been like this since friday night. I am taking nyquil but it doesnt really help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Herpetic stomatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

It sounds like you have Herpetic Stomatis, an infection caused by the oral herpes virus (Herpes Simplex virus). This causes blisters and ulcers in the mouth.

Treatment is to take an antiviral medicine such as acyclovir. Do not use a topical medicine for this, but instead the pill which will help your whole body and will help your fluish symptoms which are caused by the virus.

You can also get topical numbing medicine - viscous lidocaine - which will help immediately with the pain.

Both of these are by prescription. So you will need to go in to a clinic, urgent care, or your doctor.

I would advise discontinuing Nyquil. NyQuil has acetaminophen and a cough suppressant and antihistamine. Instead, take Tylenol (just acetaminophen) as the other two drugs in the Nyquil are not going to help.

I'd also suggest stopping the orange juice for now as the acid in citrus will make the sores even more painful. If you want to be taking more vitamin C, for right now it would be better to swallow Vitamin C tablets so that the acid does not irritate the mouth lining.

I hope you are feeling better soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 hours later)
Thank you for the answer. What about the body aches and headache now with a 100° fever?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The antiviral (acyclovir) and acetaminophen should help.

Detailed Answer:
The antiviral medicine such as Acyclovir or Famcyclovir, should help all of the symptoms, but the sooner you start this medicine the better. The antiviral will not cure the problem, which is caused by a virus, but will help lessen the severity and duration. The sooner you get on this medicine the more effective it will be. If you haven't already started it, go to an urgent care tonight so that you can get a prescription for it quickly.

The acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with the body aches and headache too, as needed.

Have a mostly liquid diet right now and avoid hot or cold liquids which can make it hurt more. Avoid tomatoes and citrus in the liquids you consume.

If the fever goes higher than 101 and you are doing more poorly, you should go in to be seen again.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Blisters In Mouth In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Herpetic stomatitis Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, It sounds like you have Herpetic Stomatis, an infection caused by the oral herpes virus (Herpes Simplex virus). This causes blisters and ulcers in the mouth. Treatment is to take an antiviral medicine such as acyclovir. Do not use a topical medicine for this, but instead the pill which will help your whole body and will help your fluish symptoms which are caused by the virus. You can also get topical numbing medicine - viscous lidocaine - which will help immediately with the pain. Both of these are by prescription. So you will need to go in to a clinic, urgent care, or your doctor. I would advise discontinuing Nyquil. NyQuil has acetaminophen and a cough suppressant and antihistamine. Instead, take Tylenol (just acetaminophen) as the other two drugs in the Nyquil are not going to help. I'd also suggest stopping the orange juice for now as the acid in citrus will make the sores even more painful. If you want to be taking more vitamin C, for right now it would be better to swallow Vitamin C tablets so that the acid does not irritate the mouth lining. I hope you are feeling better soon!