Cutaneous aids in the diagnosis of oral ulcers

A variety of diseases of diverse etiology may produce oral pathology in a spectrum ranging from blisters through erosion to frank ulcers. The morphologic similarity of such lesions makes precise diagnosis difficult. Some of these diseases also produce cutaneous lesions which suggest or confirm a specific diagnosis. Selected diseases which produce oral ulcers are reviewed with an emphasis on those in which coexisting cutaneous lesions can significantly aid in diagnosis.