It has been used for many years to describe areas of ulceration on mucous membranes. Aphthous stomatitis is a condition which is characterized by recurrent discrete areas of ulceration which are almost always painful. They are usually small, but can, in rare cases, become fairly large. They generally start as an erythematous papule, which soon undergoes necrosis and acquires a fibrin coating. The small, crateriform ulcers have a white to yellow membrane surrounded by a erythematous halo.
Most aphthous ulcers heal in one to two weeks.
Patients usually complain of these lesions being very painful and interfering with eating. Nearly all aphthae heal without scarring. Synonyms for recurrent aphthae include aphthous stomatitis, recurrent oral ulcerations, aphthous ulcers, and canker sores. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common of all oral conditions. Women are more often affected than men.