Aphthous stomatitis Aphthous stomatitis Aphthous stomatitis is a common condition characterized by the repeated formation of benign and non-contagious mouth ulcers (aphthae) in otherwise healthy individuals. The informal term canker sores is also used, mainly in North America, although this may also refer to any mouth ulcers. The cause is not completely understood, but involves a T cell-mediated immune response triggered by a variety of factors. Different individuals have different triggers, which may include nutritional deficiencies, local trauma, stress, hormonal influences, allergies, or genetic predisposition. These ulcers occur periodically and heal completely between attacks. In the majority of cases, the individual ulcers
Aphthous stomatitis spicy and acidic foods and beverages. Many different topical and systemic medications have been proposed (see table), sometimes showing little or no evidence of usefulness when formally investigated. Some of the results of interventions for RAS may in truth represent a placebo effect. No therapy is curative, with treatment aiming to relieve pain, promote healing and reduce the frequency of episodes of ulceration. In cases of folate deficiency, daily folic acid (vitamin B9) supplements may prevent or reduce aphthous stomatitis reoccurrence. The first line therapy for aphthous stomatitis is topical agents rather than systemic medication, with topical corticosteroids being the