APHTHOUS ULCER Meaning and
Definition
-
An aphthous ulcer, also known as a canker sore, is a painful, non-contagious oral condition characterized by the formation of shallow, round or oval-shaped lesions or ulcers that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth. Aphthous ulcers commonly occur on the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or on the floor of the mouth. They are typically small in size, measuring less than 1 centimeter in diameter, and are often covered by a white or yellowish-grayish membrane.
These ulcers are recurrent, meaning that they may appear multiple times over an individual's lifetime. The exact cause of aphthous ulcers is not fully understood, but they are thought to be a result of various factors, including minor mouth injuries, immune system dysfunction, stress, hormonal changes, certain medications, or vitamin deficiencies.
Aphthous ulcers are typically self-limiting, resolving within 1-2 weeks without any medical treatment. However, they can cause significant discomfort, making eating, drinking, or talking painful. In some cases, larger or persistent ulcers may require treatment with topical medications or mouth rinses to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Over-the-counter pain-relieving gels or creams can also be used to provide temporary relief. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and managing stress can help reduce the frequency and severity of aphthous ulcers. In rare instances, recurrent or unusually large ulcers may warrant further medical investigation to rule out underlying systemic diseases.
Common Misspellings for APHTHOUS ULCER
- zphthous ulcer
- sphthous ulcer
- wphthous ulcer
- qphthous ulcer
- aohthous ulcer
- alhthous ulcer
- a-hthous ulcer
- a0hthous ulcer
- apgthous ulcer
- apbthous ulcer
- apnthous ulcer
- apjthous ulcer
- aputhous ulcer
- apythous ulcer
- aphrhous ulcer
- aphfhous ulcer
- aphghous ulcer
- aphyhous ulcer
- aph6hous ulcer
Etymology of APHTHOUS ULCER
The word "aphthous" originated from the Greek word "aphtha" (ἄφθα), meaning "ulcer" or "sore". In ancient Greek medicine, the term "aphtha" referred to any small ulcer or pustule on the skin or mucous membranes.
The term "ulcer" is derived from the Latin word "ulcus", meaning "an open sore". It is used to describe a sore or lesion that forms on the skin or mucous membranes, often resulting in the loss of tissue.
When combined together, "aphthous ulcer" refers to a specific type of ulceration occurring in the mouth or oral cavity. These ulcers are commonly characterized by small, painful sores that often have a white or yellowish-gray appearance surrounded by a red border.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
