Aphthous ulcers

K12.0

• Description
• General and supportive measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Painful ulcers in the oropharynx. Minor ulcers (< 1 cm diameter) usually heal within 2 weeks. Major ulcers (> 1 cm diameter) are very painful, often very deep and persist.

GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

• Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration by encouraging fluid and food intake – use bland foods and fluids as they cause less pain.
• For minor aphthous ulcers, use homemade warm saline rinse. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of table salt (sodium chloride) in ± 200 mL warm water. Rinse mouth but do not swallow.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

For pain:

• Paracetamol, oral, 15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly when required to a maximum of 4 doses per 24 hours.

REFERRAL

• Major aphthous ulcers for further diagnostic evaluation.
• Aphthous ulcers not resolving in 3 weeks for further evaluation.