Aphthous ulcers








 Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that typically develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the cheeks, gums, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. They are not contagious and are different from cold sores (which are caused by the herpes virus).

Common causes of aphthous ulcers:

  1. Injury to the mouth – biting the inside of the cheek or brushing too hard.
  2. Stress – emotional or physical stress can trigger ulcers.
  3. Nutritional deficiencies – especially in B vitamins, iron, and folic acid.
  4. Hormonal changes – they can occur during menstruation or other hormonal shifts.
  5. Certain foods – spicy, acidic, or abrasive foods may trigger or worsen ulcers.
  6. Underlying health conditions – such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease), or conditions like HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms:

  • Painful round or oval sores with a white or yellowish center and a red border.
  • Sensitivity to certain foods (like citrus, spicy foods, or salty snacks).
  • Swelling in the surrounding area.

Treatment options:

  • Over-the-counter medications: topical creams, gels, or patches (e.g., benzocaine or hydrocortisone).
  • Saltwater rinse: helps soothe the pain and promote healing.
  • Mouthwash: medicated mouthwashes that may contain ingredients like chlorhexidine.
  • Avoiding irritants: staying away from spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods.
  • Pain relief: taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with discomfort.

Most aphthous ulcers heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, if they’re unusually large, persistent, or frequent, or if you experience symptoms like fever or difficulty swallowing, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Avascular necrosis of femoral head

Image
  Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is  a type of osteonecrosis due to disruption of blood supply to the proximal femur . There are approximately 10000 to 20000 new cases reported each year in the United States alone.  It can occur due to a variety of causes, either traumatic or atraumatic in origin.
Read more

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH)

Image
  Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic, itchy skin condition that is closely associated with celiac disease . It is a form of autoimmune skin disorder where clusters of small, intensely itchy blisters or bumps form on the skin, typically in areas such as elbows, knees, buttocks, back, and scalp. Key Characteristics: Itchy, red rash : The rash often appears as small, raised bumps or blisters and may be very itchy. Location : Most commonly found on the elbows, knees, buttocks, back, and scalp. Chronic nature : DH is long-lasting and can come and go, with flare-ups often triggered by gluten ingestion, even in people who don't experience obvious symptoms of celiac disease. Cause: Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune response. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin tissue in response to gluten , a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease have a higher risk of developing DH, as the condition is a skin manifestation of the s...
Read more

Granuloma annulare

Image
  Granuloma annulare is a skin condition characterized by the formation of ring-shaped, red or skin-colored bumps or lesions, typically around the edges of a circular pattern. It is generally considered a benign, self-limiting condition, meaning it usually resolves on its own without treatment. However, it can sometimes persist for months or even years. Key Facts: Appearance : Raised, ring-like lesions with a smooth surface, often red or purple at the edge and normal or slightly pale in the center. Common Locations : The arms, legs, and torso are the most frequent sites, though it can appear anywhere on the body. Causes : The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve an inflammatory response, often triggered by factors like: Immune system dysfunction Trauma or injury to the skin Certain medications (e.g., vaccinations, or drugs for tuberculosis) Diabetes (it is sometimes associated with underlying conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease) Infections, like viral or...
Read more