VALACYLOVIR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HERPETIC GINGIVOSTOMATITIS AND HERPETIC LABIALIS: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis (AHGS) is the primary manifestation of herpes simplex-I (HSV-I) infection which causes painful vesicles and ulcers on gingiva and palate. AHGS commonly involves the immobile mucosa of the oral cavity. Recurrent painful oral infections can also occur in immunocompromised and HIV positive patients causing discomfort. Recurrent symptomatic and asymptomatic herpetic labialis may occur because of reactivation of latent virus in sensory ganglia.The objective of this paper is to discuss cases of acute herpetic gingivostomatitis and herpetic labialis and evaluate the effect of valacyclovir in the management of herpetic infections.