Last update:
12-May-2011

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is considered to be the most common oral mucosal disease. It presents with recurrent, painful, round or ovoid, shallow ulcers, covered by a pseudomembrane and surrounded by erythematous halos. There are three forms of lesion: Μinor, major, and herpetiform. In HIV-infected patients, aphthous ulcers are bigger, more painful and more frequent and they last longer. The causes of this disorder have not yet been elucidated, even though a variety of predisposing factors −such as genetic, local, infectious, nutritional, psychological, immunological and systemic factors− have been recognized. Diagnosis is based on the patient's history and physical examination, as specific laboratory tests are lacking. In the differential diagnosis special attention should be paid to infections, autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies and possible underlying malignancies. Treatment should aim at alleviation of the symptoms, promotion of ulcer healing and decreasing the frequency of recurrence.

Key words: Aphthous stomatitis, HIV, Review.