Canker Sores

Canker Sores 

Definition

Canker sores are small sores or ulcers that appear inside the mouth. They are painful, self-healing, and can recur.

Description

Canker sores occur on the inside of the mouth, usually on the inside of the lips, cheeks, and/or soft palate. They can also occur on the tongue and in the throat. Often, several canker sores will appear at the same time and may be grouped in clusters. Canker sores appear as a whitish, round area with a red border. The sores are painful and sensitive to touch. The average canker sore is about one-quarter inch in size, although they can occasionally be larger. Canker sores are not infectious.

Approximately 20% of the U.S. population is affected with recurring canker sores, and more women than men get them. Women are more likely to have canker sores during their premenstrual period.

Canker sores are sometimes confused with cold sores. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus. This disease, also known as oral herpes or fever blisters, can occur anywhere on the body. Most commonly, herpes infection occurs on the outside of the lips and the gums, and much less frequently on the inside the mouth. Cold sores are infectious.

Causes and symptoms

The exact cause of canker sores is uncertain, however, they seem to be related to a localized immune reaction. Other proposed causes for this disease are trauma to the affected areas from toothbrush scrapes, stress, hormones, and food allergies. Canker sores tend to appear in response to stress. The initial symptom is a tingling or mildly painful itching sensation in the area where the sore will appear. After one to several days, a small red swelling appears. The sore is round, and is a whitish color with a grayish colored center. Usually, there is a red ring of inflammation surrounding the sore. The main symptom is pain. Canker sores can be very painful, especially if they are touched repeatedly, e.g., by the tongue. They last for one to two weeks.

Diagnosis

Canker sores are diagnosed by observation of the blister. A distinction between canker sores and cold sores must be made because cold sores are infectious and the herpes infection can be transmitted to other people. The two sores can usually be distinguished visually and there are specific diagnostic tests for herpes infection.

Treatment

Since canker sores heal by themselves, treatment is not usually necessary. Pain relief remedies, such as topical anesthetics, may be used to reduce the pain of the sores. The use of corticosteroid ointments sometimes speeds healing. Avoidance of spicy or acidic foods can help reduce the pain associated with canker sores.

Key terms

Inflammation — A local reaction to tissue injury or damage, usually characterized by pain, swelling, and redness.

Sore — A wound, lesion, or ulcer on the skin.

Ulcer — A site of damage to the skin or mucous membrane that is characterized by the formation of pus, death of tissue, and is frequently accompanied by an inflammatory reaction.

Alternative treatment

Alternative therapies for canker sores are aimed at healing existing sores and preventing their recurrence. Several herbal remedies, including calendula (Calendula officinalis), myrrh (Commiphora molmol), and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), may be helpful in the treatment of existing sores. Compresses soaked in teas made from these herbs are applied directly to the sores. The tannic acid in a tea bag can also help dry up the sores when the wet tea bag is used as a compress. Taking dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) tea or capsules may help heal sores and also prevent future outbreaks. Since canker sores are often brought on by stress, such stress-relieving techniques as meditation, guided imagery, and certain acupressure exercises may help prevent canker sores or lessen their severity.

Prognosis

There is no cure for canker sores. They do not get larger or occur more frequently with age.

Resources

Books

Larsen, D. E., editor. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. New York: William Morrow, 1996.

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Patient discussion about Canker Sores.

Q. aphthous stomatitis can someone please explain me what it is? and what is the best way to treat it?

A. A canker sore (aphthous stomatitis) is an illness that causes small ulcers to appear in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue. What causes aphthous stomatitis (canker sores)?
The exact cause of this disease is not known. There are many factors that are thought to be involved with the development of canker sores, including:

Weakened immune system
Certain allergies may cause the lesions to appear, such as:
Coffee
Chocolate
Cheese
Nuts
Citrus fruits
Potatoes
Stress
Viruses and bacteria

The following are the most common symptoms of aphthous stomatitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Ulcers in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue
Ulcers that are covered with a yellow layer and have a red base
For the full article:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/oral/diagnose/aphthous-stomatitis.htm Hope this helps.

Q. Is it possible to prevent appearance of oral aphthae? I get these a lot and lately I've heard it comes as a result of stress or weak immune system. Is that true? Is there a way to make it go away forever????? anyone who has ever had this annoying thing in his mouth knows what I'm talking about... I know all the possible curing ways- I'm looking for prevention now...thanx!

A. welcome to my life! every time the air get's a little dry i get 1-3 aphthae and can't eat for the next 4-6 days. so i investigated a little, and i'm sorry but right now no one really knows what causes them. they know that from some reason the body get's an immune reaction in the oral mucosa and that causes an ulcer. but a friend of mine went to an Ayurveda therapist that told him to stop eating tomatoes and eggplants (in any way, cooked,baked,fried) and he says he stop getting aphthae. so you might try Ayurveda for prevention. it could help...