Summary

• A common condition of the oral mucosa, characterised by multiple recurrent small, erythematous, round or ovoid ulcers with circumscribed margins, typically presenting first in childhood or adolescence, often with a positive family history, and with a natural history of cessation in adult life.
• Clinically, 3 forms of recurrent aphthous ulceration exist: major, minor, or herpetiform.
• Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is distinguished from aphthous-like ulceration by exclusion of underlying systemic conditions (e.g., Behcet's syndrome or HIV/AIDS).
• Diagnosis is based on the history and clinical examination with exclusion of a systemic aetiology; there are no specific laboratory findings.
• Topical corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory agents are the mainstay of treatment. Severe or refractory cases may require systemic immunomodulatory therapy.