Questions and Answers
I am interested in anything you may have with regard to causes, treatments or any suggested research areas concerning apthous (oral) ulcers
Acute, distinctive, painful ulcars on the movable oral mucosa, singly or in groups. Those < 1cm. diameter (most common) last 10-14 days; larger last weeks to months. Recurrent attacks are common with 2 or 3 ulcers per each attack - 10 to 15 are common in some individuals. Women are affected more often than men. Cause is unknown but deficiency in iron, vitamin B 12 and folic acid seem to increase susceptibility. Stress and local factors are predominent precipitating factors. The acutely painful phase lasts 3 - 4 days, then the lesions heal by themselves. 2% lidocaine viscous, 1 tbsp as an oral rinse every 3 hours or before meals makes things more tolerable; also a dental protective paste applied 4 x a day prevents irritation of the ulcers. Triamcinolone acetonide dental paste helps too.
For multiple lesions, tetracycline oral suspension is held in the mouth for 2 - 5 minutes before swallowing to coat the ulcers. For severe episodes, corticosteroid therapy, both topical and systemic, may be indicated.