[Clinical aspects and treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers]

Recurrent aphthous ulcers are the most common inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa, occurring in up to 10% of the population and even more common in children. The history, morphological characteristics, predilection sides and typical stages of aphthae help to distinguish them from other diseases that may exhibit aphthous-like lesions. Underlying diseases should be excluded. The main goals of therapy are to minimize pain and functional disabilities as well as decrease frequency and severity of recurrences. Topical symptomatic relief is the standard of care for simple cases of recurrent aphthosis. In cases of major aphthosis or systemic involvement, topical therapies are still useful but should be combined with systemic therapy, such as colchicine, pentoxifylline or prednisolone. In case of Adamantiades-Behçet disease, systemic immunomodulatory drugs can inhibit the development of new lesions. This overview summarizes morphological and presentation forms of aphthae, differential diagnoses and evidence-based therapeutic possibilities.