Mouth ulcers Flashcards
What are the causes of mouth ulcers?
Infection
Trauma
Drug allergy
Name the types of mouth ulcers
Aphthous (minor or major)
or herpetiform ulcers
Are mouth ulcers self-limiting?
> 75% of cases are minor aphthous ulcers, which are self-limiting
Presenting symptoms of mouth ulcers (not including how they look)
- dry throat
- symptoms of cold or flu: runny nose, headache, muscle aches, cough
Presenting symptoms of minor ulcers
- 1-5 at a time
- 5-6mm diameter
- White/yellow middle with inflamed red edge
- Not painful
presenting symptoms of major ulcers
- > 10mm
- painful
presenting symptoms of herpetiform ulcers
- more numerous than 1-5 at a time
- pinhead size
- very painful
Danger elimination/red flag symptoms/referral criteria
- duration >3 weeks
- ADRS (agranulocytosis, especially if taking carbimazole for hyperthyroidism)
- failed treatment
- ulcers bigger than 1cm
- painless ulcers
- unexplained weight loss
- persistent diarrhoea
- recurrent infection or rash
- ill-fitting dentures (refer to dentist)
- ulcers elsewhere other than the mouth
- refer if extremely painful, have hoarseness (>3 weeks), glandular fever, oral thrush
Why would you refer someone with mouth ulcers who also has persistent diarrhoea?
Because they may have a case of IBS or coeliac disease
Which drugs could cause the mouth ulcers?
Could be side effect of:
- NSAID like aspirin
- cytotoxic drugs
- sulfasalazine
Are mouth ulcers more common in men or women?
More common in women
What age range are mouth ulcers most frequent?
Most frequent between ages 10-40
Do mouth ulcers run in families?
Yes. Often there is a family history of mouth ulcers.
Minor aphthous ulcers often recur, with the same characteristic features
Recurrence of mouth ulcers?
Episodes of ulceration generally recur after 1-4 months
What are the different forms of medicine available to treat mouth ulcers and what are the advantages of these?
Gels/liquids are helpful for accurate application
Mouthwashes are useful when ulcers are difficult to reach
