Aphthous Ulcer Recovery Time
Minor aphthous ulcers, which represent the majority of cases, heal completely within 7-10 days without scarring, while major aphthous ulcers (>10mm diameter) can persist for 6 weeks or longer and may cause scarring. 1, 2
Recovery Timeline by Ulcer Type
Minor Aphthous Ulcers (Most Common)
- Healing time: 7-10 days without scarring 1
- These represent the most common presentation with ulcers less than 10mm in diameter 1
- Alternative sources confirm healing occurs in 10-14 days for typical minor lesions 2
- Ulcers are round, clearly defined, small, and painful 2
Major Aphthous Ulcers (10% of Cases)
- Healing time: 6 weeks or longer with frequent scarring 2
- Lesions are greater than 5mm in diameter 2
- These affect approximately 10% of sufferers 1
Herpetiform Aphthous Ulcers
- Healing time: 7-10 days 2
- Present as multiple small clusters of pinpoint lesions that can coalesce 2
- Despite the name, these are not related to herpes virus infection 2
Giant Aphthae
- Healing time: typically 8-10 days for standard aphthae 3
- Giant aphthae (>1cm) may take longer and require more aggressive management 3
Clinical Implications
The vast majority of patients (90%) will experience complete resolution within 7-14 days without intervention. 1, 2 This natural history is important for patient counseling and determining when further investigation is warranted.
Any oral ulcer persisting beyond 2-3 weeks requires biopsy to rule out malignancy, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. 4 This is a critical pitfall to avoid, as chronic solitary ulcers may represent malignant transformation rather than benign aphthous disease.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is defined as ulcers recurring at least 4 times per year, which warrants investigation for underlying systemic disease. 4 Associated conditions include celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, nutritional deficiencies (iron, folates, vitamin B12), HIV infection, and Behçet's disease 4, 3