Aphthous stomatitis

From Face, Mouth and Jaw
Revision as of 12:21, 24 December 2020 by Admin (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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 [1]
  • 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
  • ♀ > ♂

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Aetiology and Pathogenesis

Management

Prognosis and Complications

Images

References