What should I do about a child's oral ulcer?

Written by Lian Wen Xi
Pediatrics
Updated on April 28, 2025
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Children can develop oral ulcers, and how to handle them depends on the severity of the ulcers. Oral ulcers are self-limiting diseases, so even without treatment, the ulcers will heal on their own after some time. However, during this period, there might be some pain, affecting the child’s eating, so some measures should be taken. It is recommended for parents to apply lidocaine gel locally on the surface of the ulcers to alleviate pain. It is also advisable to use additional treatments like applying watermelon frost to promote the healing of the ulcers. Additionally, during this period, it is important for the child to eat a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, as they might exacerbate the pain of the ulcers. Also, avoid giving the child very hard foods to prevent further irritation of the ulcers.

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What causes purple lips and mouth ulcers?

There is the appearance of cyanosis of the lips and oral ulcers, which might be associated with a deficiency in certain vitamins or trace elements. It is advised to visit a hospital to complete tests related to trace elements and electrolytes, among others. Additionally, the cyanosis of the lips also necessitates the exclusion of potential hypoxia. It is important to observe if the patient experiences chest tightness, coughing, expectoration, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If necessary, completing a blood gas analysis to confirm whether there is hypoxia or carbon dioxide retention may be required. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring good eating and living habits, and avoiding selective or picky eating to prevent changes or exacerbation of the condition. It is also advised to have regular follow-up visits at the hospital.

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Can severe oral ulcers cause fever?

Oral ulcers generally do not cause fever, and common oral ulcers usually heal on their own within about a week. In the initial days, they may manifest as localized pain. In cases of severe or recurrent oral ulcers, or when accompanied by fungal and other bacterial infections, there might be occurrences of fever. In such cases, it is generally recommended for patients to take oral anti-inflammatory medications or antipyretic analgesics to reduce inflammation and fever. Firstly, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods. Additionally, it is advised that patients visit a hospital for consultation, where they can have a complete blood count test and ensure to rest properly. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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What should I do if I have mouth ulcers due to excessive stomach fire?

Mouth ulcers due to excessive stomach heat are primarily caused by improper diet. For this condition, one should consume more foods and fruits that reduce stomach heat, such as apples, pears, watermelon, and grapefruit, as well as vegetables like lettuce and celery to effectively regulate stomach heat and improve symptoms. It is crucial to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and avoid consuming foods that increase internal heat and irritant foods to prevent exacerbating the condition. One must also ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, particularly staying up late, and spend time in the sun to increase calcium absorption.

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How to manage oral ulcers in summer

When patients experience oral ulcers, it may be due to hot weather in the summer or poor diet, leading to loss of appetite and lack of certain nutrients. It is recommended that patients adjust their diets accordingly, consuming light foods and staying hydrated. If patients lack appetite, they can eat some fresh vegetables and fruits to adjust their diet. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to avoid spicy and irritating foods, as these can worsen the ulcers and cause symptoms of heatiness. Therefore, during summer when experiencing oral ulcers, local treatment is also necessary. Topical medications for oral ulcers can be used to help heal the ulcerative lesions.

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Can I take acyclovir tablets if I have severe oral ulcers?

When patients experience severe oral ulcers, it is generally not recommended to take acyclovir tablets, because acyclovir is used to treat symptoms caused by some viral infections. If the disease is caused by viral infections, acyclovir can be taken orally. When oral ulcers occur, they are generally caused by "internal heat" in the patient's body, possibly due to a decrease in resistance, leading to local mucosal ulceration, bleeding, and pain in the mouth. When patients have low resistance, it is suggested that they adjust their resistance appropriately, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, ensure adequate rest, drink plenty of water, and adjust their lifestyle appropriately without overeating or drinking. Oral ulcers and acyclovir are not closely related, so it is advised not to take acyclovir tablets when oral ulcers occur. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)