My 20mth. old has swollen gums with blisters in and around her mouth smells awful and has been running a fever. does she need antibiotics? what can i

Pediatrician asap!: Any child with a fever should be seen by a pediatrician, especially one of such a young age. Call right away for an appointment. Poor thing!

See pediatrician: Her pediatrician will determine if the lesions are viral or bacterial in nature, and what medication is necessary for treatment. Can't advise you if antibiotics are necessary since the lesions cannot be diagnosed definitively over the internet.

Virus?: Sounds like a virus, but she must be examined today. Once she is diagnosed her doctor can recommend treatment, .

Primary Herpes: This sounds like typical primary herpetic gingevastomatitis. With the first exposure to this virus, the symptoms are as you describe. Secondary exposures or flare ups usually involve the lip. These mouth lesions are highly contagious so don't touch. Antibiotics don't treat viruses. Keep your baby hydrated and nourished. If things worsen, see your pediatrician. It usually takes a week for subsid.

Please see Dr. ASAP: There are several conditions that can do this: hand foot and mouth disease, herpes gingivostomatitis, herpangina. Most of them are viral diseases, although could be bacterial or yeast. The only viral one for which we have decent treatment is herpes, however, it is very important to keep the baby hydrated and as pain free and comfortable as possible. Please see your doctor.