Oral ulcer in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the end of 2019 caused the global pandemic. Oral and dermatological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) such as xerostomia, aphthous-like lesions, ulcers, tongue depapillation, necrotizing gingivitis, and taste disorders, including the loss of taste and salivary gland infections are being reported. This study aims to describe a case of oral ulcers following COVID-19 infection.

We present the case of a 95-year-old male patient hospitalized in follow-up care and rehabilitation unit, of Minimes Geriatric Clinic, Toulouse, France. He had an alteration in his general health in the context of COVID-19 infection detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Six days after the admission, the patient complained of a strong burning sensation of the mouth, especially on the tongue and the lips' mucosa. Intraoral examination revealed painful erosive areas on the lateral edges of the tongue and the mucous side of the lower lip. The proposed treatment to reduce the burning sensation was based on general analgesics (morphine sulfate), mouthwash with sodium bicarbonate, the application of a lidocaine-based oral anesthetic and healing gel and a comfort-oriented diet. Thirteen days later, the patient reported a gradual improvement.

A diverse range of oral manifestations has been observed in patients with a history of COVID-19 infection. These oral ulcers significantly impact the quality of life of the individual, causing intense pain, stress, and difficulties in eating, with repercussions on nutritional status, especially in older individuals. Our case underscores the importance of oral examinations and the role of dentists in the management of patients with SARS-CoV-2.