Pharmacological management of recurrent oral mucosal ulceration

A number of diseases can cause recurrent intraoral ulceration. This review focuses principally on drug management of intraoral ulceration associated with local and systemic conditions most likely to be observed on an outpatient basis by the general practitioner. These consist of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, erosive lichen planus, benign mucous membrane pemphigoid (BMMP), erythema multiforme. Behçet's disease, allergic stomatitis and infection. Information is provided on a spectrum of medication found useful in ulcer management, including topical antimicrobial and antifungal agents, topical and systemic corticosteroids, topical and systemic analgesics, and systemic immunosuppressive and anxiolytic drugs, plus details of dosage, important adverse reactions and interactions. A treatment guide for management of recurrent aphthae is presented. The reader is presumed to be familiar with differential diagnosis and the importance of establishing an accurate impression before starting drug therapy.