Skip to main content

Ulcer, Aphthous

Velyn Wu, MACM, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

Aphthous ulcers are the most common ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa. 

DESCRIPTION

  • Self-limited, painful ulcerations of the nonkeratinized oral mucosa, which are often recurrent

    • Affects chewi...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patients typically complain of oral ulcerations, which are painful and exacerbated by movement of the mouth. Exacerbation may also be reported with certain foods (hot, spicy, acidic, ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Management is symptomatic. Goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, promote healing, and decrease frequency of recurrence 

MEDICATION

In general, treatment is supportive. ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Evaluation for infection, mucocutaneous or systemic disease, or malignancy should be pursued for nonhealing lesions or lesions with lymphadenopathy or unusual pre...

REFERENCES

1
Lau CB, Smith GP. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A comprehensive review and recommendations on therapeutic options. DermatolTher.2022;35(6):e15500.
2
Gasmi Benahmed A, Noor S, Menzel A, et a...

ADDITIONAL READING

SEE ALSO

Wang Z, Cao H, Xiong J, et al. Recent Advances in the aetiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Postgrad Med J. 2022;98(1155):57-66. ...

CODES

ICD10

K12.0 Recurrent oral aphthae 

SNOMED

  • 426965005 aphthous ulcer of mouth (disorder)

  • 307772002 Minor oral aphthous ulceration (disorder)

  • 196531008 Major aphthous ulceration (disorder)

  • 319297003 Her...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Aphthous ulcers are the most common chronic disease of the oral cavity.

  • Most cases are mild, self-limited episodes.

  • Appropriate treatment should be aimed at symptom control and promotion...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×