Aphthous stomatitis

• Common condition characterised by the repeated formation of benign and non-contagious aphthae (mouth ulcers)
• Also known as "canker sores" (especially in North America)
• Classification:
  1. Simple aphthosis
     • Most common form of the disease
     • This is also called Mikulicz ulcers
     • Individual usually experiences several episodes per year
     • Usually one to several ulcers lasting up to 14 days
     • Ulcers limited to oral mucosa
  2. Complex aphthosis
     • Ulcers can involve oral and genital mucosa
     • Usually ulcers are larger (>1cm) and can take several weeks to resolve
     • Some experience such frequent episodes that they are rarely without ulcers
     • Must exclude diagnosis of Behçet's syndrome before diagnosis is made

Epidemiology

• Common worldwide - highest prevalence in Middle East, Mediterranean and South Asia
• Most individuals start developing recurrent aphthae during adolescence
• May decrease in later years and may spontaneously resolve for some
• More common in higher socioeconomic group
• ♀ > ♂