Last reviewed: 2 Feb 2021
Last updated: 09 Jul 2018
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- presence of risk factors
- oral ulcers
- afebrile
- absence of genital or ocular ulceration
- no history of immunodeficiency
- absence of pallor
Risk factors
- positive family history
- non-smoker or cessation of smoking
- trauma
- age <30 years
- Streptococcus sanguis infection
- cows' milk-fed children
- female gender
- white ethnicity
- higher socioeconomic status
- high stress levels
- food intolerance
- hormonal imbalance
- use of SLS-containing toothpaste
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- FBC
- serum ferritin
- serum folate
- serum vitamin B12
- serum IgA-tTG
- viral serology (e.g., HIV or Epstein-Barr virus)
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP
- biopsy
Treatment algorithm
ACUTE
Contributors
Authors
Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Oral Medicine
Glasgow Dental Hospital and School
Glasgow
Scotland
UK
Disclosures
JT declares that she has no competing interests.
We would like to gratefully acknowledge the late Professor Crispian Scully for his contribution to this topic.
Peer reviewers
Consultant for Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
The Milton J. Dance Head and Neck Center
Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Baltimore
MD
Disclosures
JJS declares that he has no competing interests.
Consultant in Oral Medicine
Guy’s Hospital
Great Maze Pond
London
UK
Disclosures
PS declares that she has no competing interests.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer