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Etiology and management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Current Infectious Disease Reports volume 5, pages 194–198 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an ulcerative condition that affects the oral mucosa without evidence of an underlying medical disorder. RAS is characterized by the appearance of round, shallow ulcerations surrounded by inflammation that chiefly involves the nonkeratinized mucosa. The etiology of RAS is unknown, but has a strong hereditary component and appears to be related to an immune reaction against the oral mucosa. RAS must be distinguished from other diseases that cause recurring oral ulcers such as BehÇet’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Crohn’s disease. This paper reviews the current theories regarding the etiology of RAS, the clinical evaluation of patients with recurring aphthous ulcers, and describes current treatment options for this condition.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA

    Andres Pinto DMD

Authors
  1. Martin S. Greenberg DDS
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  2. Andres Pinto DMD
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Greenberg, M.S., Pinto, A. Etiology and management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Curr Infect Dis Rep 5, 194–198 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-003-0073-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-003-0073-z

Keywords

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Thalidomide
  • Aphthous Ulcer
  • Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
  • Clobetasol Propionate