Aphthous ulcers are a common and painful problem.
Aphthous ulcers that occur in conjunction with symptoms of uveitis, genital ulcerations, conjunctivitis, arthritis, fever or adenopathy should prompt a search for a serious etiology. The lack of clarity regarding the etiology of aphthous ulcers has resulted in treatments that are largely empiric. 1,2 Minor aphthae are generally located on labial or buccal mucosa, the soft palate and the floor of the mouth. Major aphthae are larger and involve deeper ulceration. Herpetiform aphthae frequently are more numerous and vesicular in morphology.