Bechet’s disease is a chronic inflammatory neurological disorder whose cause is unknown. Current research on Bechet’s disease explores potential genetic, viral and bacterial causes and triggers.
Bechet’s is marked by canker sore like ulcers in the mouth, and genitals and inflammation of the eyes. The canker sores are so universal in Bechet’s cases that they are used as one of the diagnostic criterion for identifying the presence of the disease: the criterion is met by the appearance of canker sores 3 times in 12 months. Bechet’s can affect all body systems and organs, sometimes resulting in symptoms such as arthritis, bowel inflammation, meningitis and cranial nerve palsies as well as skin lesions. In severe cases, Bechet’s disease can lead to blindness, stroke, impaired speech and balance, spinal cord swelling and intestinal impairments. The disease is prominent in the Middle East and Asia, particularly Turkey, Israel and Japan. It is rarely seen in the United States.
Bechet’s disease affects sufferers differently but one symptom common to almost all Bechet’s patients is apthous ulcers or canker sores. The canker sores are often the first symptom a Bechet’s patient identifies. The canker sores come and go, usually lasting 10-14 days at each occurrence.
Canker Sore Appearance and Location
Canker sores are ulcers that appear inside the mouth. Canker sores are usually white spots but sometimes they appear grayish or ringed with red.
The situs of canker sores is inside the cheek, on the soft palate, or on the edge of the tongue. Fever, lethargy, or swollen lymph nodes may be present.
Canker sores are sometimes confused with cold sores, but these two lesions are dissimilar. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex type 1 virus. They appear as clusters of small blisters, most often outside the mouth. Cold sores are contagious, while canker sores are not.
How Canker Sores in Bechet’s Patients Differ from Regular Canker Sores
In Bechet’s disease, canker sores are larger, more frequent, more numerous and often more painful than ordinary canker sores. They are usually ringed with red. The larger canker sores may leave behind scar tissue when they heal.
While a Bechet’s patient has canker sores, eating can be painful and difficult. Cortisone treatment in the form of pastes, gels or creams are often used for topical relief for Bechet’s canker sores. Colchicine has been reported successful at reducing the incidence of recurrence with canker sores in Bechet’s patients. A limited study also showed pentoxifylline, particularly when used with colchicine, to be successful in healing and reducing recurrence of canker sores in 9 out of 12 patients.
Sources: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/behcet/behcet.htm; http://www.behcets.com/site/pp.asp?c=bhJIJSOCJrH&b=260521; http://www.saveyoursmile.com/cankersores/dzcankersores1.html; http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores; http://www.aegis.com/pubs/step/1995/STEP7108.html; http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_cank.htm; http://www.medicinenet.com/colchicine/article.htm; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canker-sore/DS00354/DSECTION=causes; http://www.medicinenet.com/canker_sores/page4.htm.