Difference between oral ulcers and Behçet's disease

Jun 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have developed a large area of mouth ulceration at the corner of my mouth, but the doctor mentioned it might also be Behçet's disease. What are the differences between mouth ulcers and Behçet's disease?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
There are significant differences between oral ulcers and Behçet's disease in several aspects. 1. **Etiology**: Oral ulcers are often caused by dietary irritation, mental stress, and other factors, whereas Behçet's disease is an autoimmune disorder associated with immune system abnormalities. 2. **Affected Areas**: Oral ulcers are mainly limited to the mouth and lips, while Behçet's disease not only affects the oral cavity but also involves multiple sites such as the genitals, eyes, and skin. Regarding complications, oral ulcers generally do not cause other organic lesions, whereas Behçet's disease may lead to severe complications such as chronic arthritis and cardiovascular damage. 3. **Treatment**: Oral ulcers can recover relatively quickly with local anti-inflammatory and pain-relief treatments. In contrast, Behçet's disease, due to its widespread involvement, requires a more complex treatment process and long-term medication for control. Finally, in terms of prognosis, oral ulcers have a high probability of self-resolution, while Behçet's disease may require decades for symptom relief and control, with a high probability of recurrence.