Minor aphthous oral ulceration: a double-blind cross-over study of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol spray

A double-blind crossover study is described of the effect of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol spray in patients with recurrent (minor) aphthous oral ulceration. Patients included in the study had normal haematological parameters of haemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin B12 and corrected whole blood folate. The design of the study incorporated a washout period and duration of effect was evaluated up to six months. Beclomethasone dipropionate significantly reduced ulcer pain severity and ulcer frequency, but had no significant effect on recurrence of oral ulceration. The preparation was associated with a high patient compliance and has benefit in relieving symptoms in patients with recurrent minor aphthous ulceration.