Pathology · single question
A healthy, stressed patient presents with clusters of vesicles on the hard palate. The most appropriate treatment is:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Antiviral (acyclovir)
- A. Corticosteroids are used for aphthous ulcers, lichen planus, and autoimmune conditions — they are contraindicated in active viral infections as they can worsen the infection.
- B. Correct. Clusters of vesicles on the hard palate in a stressed but otherwise healthy patient are characteristic of recurrent intraoral herpes simplex (HSV-1 reactivation). Antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir) reduces duration and severity.
- C. While recurrent herpes is self-limiting (7–10 days), treatment with antivirals accelerates healing and is the recommended clinical approach.
- D. Herpetic lesions are viral; antibiotics have no effect on HSV infections.