Recurrent Oral Aphthous Ulcer: Case Report

Abstract

Recurrent aphthous ulcer is the common lesion of the oral mucosa. The exact etiology of aphthous ulcer is still unknown. Risk factors, however, that are involved in the development of lesions are stress, food allergy, genetic factors, disorders of the haematologic system, hormonal influence, viral or bacterial infection, trauma, immune system disorders, including syndromes or systemic conditions such as Behcet's syndrome, certain drugs, for instance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Regarding current treatments, there are no drugs capable of causing complete remission. Thus, the main treatment relies on symptomatic treatment by reducing the risk factors that will cause disease and alleviating the patient’s pain from the established ulcers. This case report refers to a 12-year-11-month-old female who had aphthous ulcers on the tongue and oral mucosa for more than one year. The patient had been treated with dexamethasone and doxycycline. Since the patient’s blood examination report demonstrated a slightly decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, therefore folate was also given for 2 weeks. As a result, the intraoral lesions became smaller, no new lesion was found and the patient had no pain and could speak, masticate, eat, and brush normally. In summary, the success factors in managing recurrent aphthous ulceration are not only using drugs that have adequate potency to diminish inflammation, but also managing the patient holistically to lessen the potential risk factors. For instance, in the present case, the patient was advised to cope with the stress from entrance examination that might promote lesions and to consume food containing iron and vitamin A and taking vitamin C-containing food with iron-containing food in order to increase iron absorption.