My poor ds is covered in mouth ulcers - any ideas?

[AbbyLou]

He is 23 months and has had a cold for about a week now. During this afternoon he has become really crabby and tearful. He didn't want to eat. He managed a yoghurt and a fw raisins and this is very out of character. He felt quite warm but not hot enough to be concerned. When we were bathing him tonight we noticed that his tongue is covered in ulcers. I've given him Calpol for the pain but was just wondering if anyone had any idea what this could be? Could it just be caused by the fact that he is run down anyway?

could it be a viral hand,foot and mouth - check for small spots/blisters on his hands and feet - its very common

Sound like hand foot and mouth to me too.
Poor thing.My DD1 was in a lot of mouth pain for a few days and had trouble eating.
No treatment just calpol for the pain.

Could have got herpes. Are his gums bleeding (ie if you try to brush his teeth)? DS1 had this - it doesn't come back in the same way, just as normal coldsores. There's nothing to do about it, but he might be happier just eating ice cream for a week or so. It looks absolutely terrible, but it's not serious.