Apthous ulcers

Question 1

Symptoms?

Answer 1

• Presence of an oval shaped sore in the mouth with a white or yellow centre and a red border
• Minor aphthous ulcers are typically small and round/ egg-shaped (2mm to 4mm in diameter), occurs in groups of up to 6 at a time
• Major ulcers are around 1 cm in diameter or larger, occurs in groups of up to 6 at a time
• Painful
• Difficulty talking or eating food and drinking.

Question 2

Questions to ask patients?

Answer 2

Find out if its minor aphthous ulcer or major.

Minor - small ulcer 2-4mm. Found in mucosa of lips, cheeks, floor of mouth or ventrum of the tongue.
Where is it found? What’s the size?

Major - large ulcer 1cm in diameter. Can recur frequently. May leave a scar behind
Has it occurred before?

Has it been longer than 3 weeks?

Any allergies?

Question 3

Red flags?

Answer 3

Longer than 3 weeks

Question 4

Treatment?

Answer 4

Chlorhexidine:

• Mouthwash GSL - Generic in original and peppermint; Corsodyl in original, aniseed and mint. Rinse for 1 minute with 10ml twice daily. Do not swallow
• Corsodyl 1% OR Corsodyl 0.2% - rinse for 1 minute 10ml twice daily. Do not swallow.
• Oromucosal Spray GSL - apply up to 12 sprays twice daily to affected areas.