Aphthous Ulcers - Painful Blisters In The Mouth

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:04

Aphthous ulcers

Aphthae are one of the most common types of inflammation of the oral mucosa. They can occur once or repeatedly (chronically recurrent aphthous ulcers). Aphthae are round and painful blisters with a white coating in the oral cavity. They are especially painful when they come into contact with saliva and food. Often they occur for no apparent cause…

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• Aphthous types
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Aphthae most commonly occur in the following places:

• Gums
• Inside cheek
• Tip of tongue
• Lips
• palate

Note Very rarely, other mucous membranes, such as the genital area, are also affected by aphthae.

Aphthous types

Aphthae are among the most common diseases of the lining of the mouth and throat. They can occur once or repeatedly (chronically recurrent). Chronic, recurrent aphthae often appear in episodes. The onset of illness is usually in childhood, and improvement in adulthood. There are several different forms:

• Minor type: Minoraphtha is one of the most common forms with up to four aphthae, approx. 5-10 mm in size, which occur mainly on the lip and cheek mucosa - rarely on the palate or gums. Healing usually takes place after one to two weeks without scarring.
• Major type: A less common form are majoraphthas, of which no more than two occur at the same time. They are often larger and deeper than the minor naphtha (> 1 cm) and can develop in the entire oral cavity or on the tongue. The healing process takes several weeks. Usually a scar remains.
• Herpetiform aphthae (rare): Herpetiform aphthae develop anywhere in the oropharynx. From 50 to over 100 of these lesions can occur at the same time. They usually have a size of 1-3 mm.

Note The pain is usually independent of the size of the aphtha.

Cause & diagnosis

The causes for the appearance of aphthous ulcers have not yet been clarified exactly. It is believed that various factors are responsible, such as:

• Stress,
• Lack of sleep,
• weak immune system,
• Herpes viruses,
• Fluctuating hormonal balance,
• Genes.

Aphthous ulcers can also occur in the context of other diseases. These include:

• Behçet's disease: rare inflammatory vascular disease
• Celiac disease: inflammatory disease of the lining of the small intestine
• Neutropenia: a decrease in certain white blood cells
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• HIV infection

The diagnosis is based on the medical history, symptoms and the course of the disease. Age and lifestyle are also taken into account. The doctor usually recognizes aphthous ulcers by their typical appearance, so that a physical examination is often sufficient for the diagnosis. If the aphthous ulcers keep recurring or are particularly large, the doctor must check whether a certain illness is the trigger.

Note Since the cause of chronically recurring aphthae is usually not known, it is hardly possible to prevent or prevent them.

therapy

Aphthae are completely harmless and not contagious, but painful. Therefore, the main aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms using pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents (ointments, sprays, mouthwashes, medication).

As a rule, aphthae heal on their own within one to two weeks. The healing process may take longer for the major type. If you are unsure whether it is actually an aphtha or if there is no progress in healing, you should contact a dermatologist or an ENT doctor.

There are some home remedies that are said to have healing properties. However, this has not been scientifically proven! These include:

• Licorice: soothing effects
• Propolis: antimicrobial effect
• Sage & Chamomile: Pain Relief
• Tea tree oil
• Aloe vera

Whom can I ask?

In the event of inflammation of the oral mucosa, you can contact the following offices:

• Dermatologist
• Dentist,
• Family doctor,
• ENT doctor

You can find doctors in your area under: Doctor search

How are the costs going to be covered?

All necessary and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures are taken over by the health insurance carriers. Your doctor or the outpatient clinic will generally settle accounts directly with your health insurance provider. With certain health insurance providers, however, you may have to pay a deductible (BVAEB, SVS, SVS, BVAEB).

However, you can also use a doctor of your choice (ie doctor without a health insurance contract) or a private outpatient clinic. For more information, see Costs and Deductibles.