Herpes gingivostomatitis is common, mild, and short lived and requires no intervention in most adults
In immunocompromised persons, however, reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection is frequent and may be severe
Clinically, there is initial burning, followed by typical small vesicles that rupture and form scabs
Lesions are most commonly found on the attached gingiva and mucocutaneous junction of the lip, but lesions can also form on the tongue, buccal mucosa, and soft palate
Acyclovir (200–800 mg orally five times daily for 7–10 days) or valacyclovir (1000 mg orally twice daily for 7–10 days) may shorten the course and reduce postherpetic pain
These treatments may be effective only when started within 24–48 hours of the onset of initial symptoms (pain, itching, burning) and are not effective once vesicles have erupted
Differential diagnosis includes aphthous stomatitis, erythema multiforme, syphilitic chancre, and carcinoma