3 year old won't stop crying with painful tongue/mouth ulcers

[NuzzleandScratch]

Dd (age 3) has been really miserable and crying for most of yesterday afternoon, and woke up repeatedly during last night. Then really miserable all day today, which just isn't like her. Every time she tries to eat or drink, she cries more, as it hurts her mouth. She has a large ulcer on one side of her tongue, and a number of smaller ones in her mouth.

We took her to the out of hours dr this morning, who couldn't find any other problems, but suggested we speak to a pharmacist for something to reduce the pain. So we did that, and they recommended Anbesol. However, this seems to hurt more when applied, and doesn't really seem to relieve anything anyway. We're giving Calpol regularly, but wondered if anyone has any other suggestions? Her breath is really bad too, and she's had a slightly high temperature on and off, but that's currently normal.

sounds like hand foot and mouth disease.
My eldest ds had it at about that age, and its probably the most poorly hes ever been. The mouth ulcers are miserable. He couldnt even eat

Any blisters on hands/feet? Could be foot and mouth? Try ice cream ... or jelly? a few days eating crap wont hurt

Another possibility is an initial outbreak of herpes which can be all inside the mouth/throat rather than the traditional coldsore

Ice lollies?

They are a good way of getting fluid into her.

Sounds like DS was with hand, foot and mouth - although he also had blisters on hand and feet. It was probably the worst illness he had - definitely upset him more than chicken pox - as he couldn't even breastfeed for the pain when he had it.

We gave all the calpol and calprofen we could, and then lots and lots of cuddles and TV for distraction.

Thanks so much for the quick replies. The dr did say to look out for hand, foot & mouth, but so far nothing has appeared on her hands & feet. She's never been so miserable & upset. Is there any treatment for hand, foot & mouth?

my ds only really had the blisters in the mouth too. Thats not uncommon

No its a virus, very contagious. But still allowed to attend school .. not that you are there yet!!

My DS has it too, it's doing the rounds at our local nursery and schools. He's had it 4 days and over the worst now. Ibuprofen seems to work better than calpol. Lots of fluids and plenty of rest.

Thanks, she normally goes to nursery, so might need to keep her off then. The pharmacist said ibuprofen not great on an empty stomach, so possibly best sticking to Calpol whilst she can't eat much, although I guess ibuprofen might help with the pain, being anti inflammatory. She is hungry, but cries when she tries to eat.

Difflam oral spray? Get through buckets of it on the children's ward...and I believe you can buy it over the counter.

Thanks for the tip on the spray. She's actually a bit happier this morning, but have kept her off nursery.

Just thought I'd update to say it was hand, foot & mouth! She's starting to improve now, but her older sister now has it!

Aw, sorry we were right, that's bad luck for your older DD too.

Hope they're both properly better soon .

Thanks IsItMeOr! Dd2 has started eating again today, which is a relief, she'd barely eaten a thing (except sponge cake!) since Friday!