Aphthous stomatitis
Background
- Affects 20% of the normal population
- Unclear etiology
- Resolve spontaneously in 10-14d
Clinical Features
- Involves the nonkeratinized epithelium (especially labial and buccal mucosa)
- Begins as erythematous macule that ulcerates and forms a central fibropurulent eschar
- Lesions measure from 2-3mm to several cm in diameter
Differential Diagnosis
Oral rashes and lesions
- Angioedema
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Herpes gingivostomatitis
- Herpes labialis
- Measles (Koplik's spots)
- Perioral dermatitis
- Oral thrush
- Steven Johnson syndrome
- Streptococcal pharyngitis
- Tongue diagnoses
- Vincent's angina
Evaluation
Management
- Topical corticosteroids
- Betamethasone syrup OR
- Dexamethasone 0.01% elixir as mouth rinse OR
- Fluocinonide 0.05% gel applied topically to isolated lesions