Recurrent aphthous stomatitis vs. recurrent herpes: do you know the difference?

Abstract

Herpetic and aphthous ulcers can be easily separated from each other on a clinical basis. Most patients who suffer from recurrent oral ulcers, suffer from one of the three forms of aphthous stomatitis that can be effectively treated. Unfortunately, the dental and medical professions are uninformed about recurrent oral ulcer etiology and proper therapies. The result is that large numbers of patients are repeatedly told there is no adequate treatment or control for their condition when in most cases that is not true. We should not permit that trend to continue. Our patients deserve better treatment from a more informed profession.