Apthous ulcers always occur on the inside of the mouth. Apthous ulcers can also occur in the esophagus. Apthous ulcers usually go away on their own, within a week, without any treatment. Some patients make their own mouthwash out of an antacid, such as Maalox , and a local anaesthetic, such as Viscous Xylocaine . Swishing the mouthwash around the mouth provides relieve for half an hour or so.
Prednisone can be helpful in shortening the course of a bad outbreak.
Some studies have shown that thalidomide is effective in clearing up apthous ulcers. Thalidomide can cause severe birth defects and should be used with extreme caution and under the direct supervision of a qualified health care professional. Ulcers in the Esophagus Ulcers in the esophagus cause painful swallowing, which is usually described as sharp, burning, or searing. They feel much like salt or hot water poured over an open wound. Indeed, esophageal ulcers hurt more when a person eats hot, salty, spicy, or acidic foods.