Greetings!
My problem is this: I have re-ocurring canker sores, usually in the back of the mouth and tonsils. I've tried every "home remedy" in the book. I can't figure out what's causing them. It seems like an alergic reaction because I won't get them for 6-12 months at a time, when all suddonly I get 15-20 of them overnight!
I've been told there is no cure. Is there a way to prevent them, or at the leastshorten their life. The canker sores I can stand, it's the pain I don't like
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Reply -------------------------
There are a number of possible conditions that could cause such oral lesions. These conditions include herpetic gingivostomatitis, aphthous stomatitis, Behcet's syndrome, Crohn's disease, or certain vesicobullous conditions known to affect mucous membranes or skin such as pemphigus or pemphigoid.
Herpetic gingivostomatitis is typically associated with clusters of many small painful vesicles (blisters). The condition may be recurrent. Treatment is directed at relief of symptoms and includes the use of analgesic medication both systemic and topical. There are various topical agents available to help with pain as well as oral pain medication which can be prescribed by a physician.
Aphthous stomatitis usually involves recurrent painful ulcers that usually occur as single ulcers in contrast to the multiple ulcers seen in herpetic conditions.
There are a variety of treatments that have been shown to have varying success with this condition including the use of tetracycline mouth rinses or steroids.
Behcet's syndrome is characterized by a constellation of symptoms and findings including painful oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and eye symptoms. This condition is an autoimmune disorder.
Crohn's disease is a gastrointestinal disorder that can occasionally be associated with oral ulcers.
Vesicobullous diseases can affect the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth. In the latter case this may be manifest as ulcers. The diagnosis requires biopsy.
I would recommend an evaluation by an ears, nose, throat specialist; a dermatologist, or an oral pathologist for a diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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