What are the causes of oral ulcers (mouth ulcers)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 10, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Oral Ulcers

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: This is the most common cause of oral ulcers, characterized by recurrent, painful, and self-limiting ulcers. The condition is benign and often related to stress, trauma, or genetic predisposition.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection: HSV can cause oral ulcers, especially in the primary infection phase. These ulcers are typically painful and can be accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and malaise.
  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): Caused by viruses like Coxsackievirus A, HFMD leads to oral ulcers along with rash on the hands and feet, commonly seen in children.
  • Oral Lichen Planus: A chronic inflammatory condition that can present with oral ulcers, along with white, lacy patches in the mouth. It's associated with an autoimmune response and can be triggered by various factors including stress and certain medications.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Oral Cancer: Although less common, oral ulcers can be a sign of oral cancer, particularly if they are persistent, grow in size, or are accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Syphilis: Secondary syphilis can cause oral ulcers, among other systemic symptoms. It's essential to consider syphilis in the differential diagnosis, especially in sexually active individuals or those with high-risk behaviors.
  • HIV/AIDS: Oral ulcers can be an early sign of HIV infection or a manifestation of immunosuppression in advanced stages of the disease. Other symptoms might include fever, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Behçet's Disease: A rare autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, along with genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. It's more common in certain geographic regions and can lead to significant morbidity if not managed properly.
  • Pemphigus Vulgaris: An autoimmune disease causing blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral cavity. It's rare but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  • Erythema Multiforme: A skin condition that can also affect the mucous membranes, leading to oral ulcers. It's often triggered by infections or medications and can range from mild to severe forms, including the life-threatening Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Related Questions

What is the acceptable duration for partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the low-normal range in patients with stroke, including both infarction and hemorrhage?
What is the optimal timing for surgery and antibiotics?
What is the optimal timing for surgery and prophylactic anticoagulation in a patient with an intertrochanteric hip fracture, severe hyponatremia, and a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Can Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) help with arthritis?
What is the most likely diagnosis for a 6-year-old girl presenting with fever, severe headache, rash on her hands, bilateral nonpurulent conjunctival injections, and petechial lesions, who recently received corticosteroids for contact dermatitis (poison ivy) and has a history of frequent mosquito bites?
How to palpate the spleen?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question