Herpangina: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Herpangina?
A pediatrician, a doctor who treats children, usually cares for herpangina. A family doctor or other primary care doctor can also treat it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is herpangina?
Herpangina is a viral illness. It causes ulcers and sores inside the mouth, a sore throat, and fever.
It is a common childhood infection.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a related illness. It also causes fever and ulcers in the mouth and throat.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
- Sore throat or painful swallowing.
- Ulcers in the mouth and throat, and similar sores on the feet, hands, and buttocks.
The ulcers most often have a white to whitish-gray base and a red border. They may be very painful. In most cases, there are only a few sores.
Causes and who gets it
Herpangina is most often caused by Coxsackie group A viruses. These viruses are contagious, which means they spread from person to person.
Herpangina is most often seen in children ages 3 to 10, but it can occur in any age group. A child is at risk if someone at school or home has the illness.
In hand, foot, and mouth disease, a related illness, the virus spreads through tiny air droplets from a sneeze, cough, or blown nose. A person can also catch it by touching something contaminated, such as a toy or doorknob.
How doctors diagnose it
Tests are not normally necessary. A health care provider can most often diagnose herpangina with a physical exam and questions about the child's symptoms and medical history.
Treatment
The symptoms are treated as needed. Home care can include the following:
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen by mouth can ease fever and discomfort, as your provider recommends.
- Aspirin should not be given for viral illnesses in children age 18 and younger.
- Increase fluids, especially cold milk products. Gargle with cool water or eat fruit-flavored ice pops. Avoid hot drinks and citrus fruits.
- Eat a diet that does not irritate the mouth. Avoid spicy, fried, or hot foods.
- Numbing products for the mouth are usually not required. Use them only as your provider recommends.
The illness normally clears up within a week. Dehydration, which means the body does not have enough fluid, is the most common complication. A provider can treat it.
Good handwashing can help prevent the spread of the viruses that lead to this infection.
For hand, foot, and mouth disease, the CDC advises washing hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers or using the toilet. It also advises cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and shared items, such as toys and doorknobs.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if:
- Fever, sore throat, or mouth sores last for more than 5 days.
- Your child is having trouble drinking liquids or looks dehydrated.
- The fever becomes very high or does not go away.
Signs of dehydration can include dry skin and mucus membranes (the moist inner linings of the body, such as the mouth), weight loss, irritability, and decreased or dark urine.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a child has a fever followed by a change in mental status or a stiff neck or back, has a seizure, or has trouble or abnormal breathing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine you or your child, check for dehydration, and explain home care. They can refer you to a pediatrician if more care is needed.
Common questions
Is herpangina contagious?
Yes. The Coxsackie viruses that most often cause herpangina are contagious, which means they can spread from person to person. A child is at risk if someone at school or home has the illness.
How long does herpangina last?
It normally clears up within a week. Contact your provider if fever, sore throat, or mouth sores last for more than 5 days.
How is herpangina related to hand, foot, and mouth disease?
They are related illnesses. Both can cause fever and ulcers in the mouth and throat. Herpangina can also cause similar sores on the hands, feet, and buttocks.
What should a child with herpangina eat and drink?
Cold milk products, including ice cream, are often the best choices. Fruit juices are too acidic and tend to irritate the mouth sores. Avoid spicy, fried, or hot foods.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Herpangina
- MedlinePlus - Hand-foot-mouth disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
