Aphthae • This helps against painful blisters!

Author: Monika Preuk, medical writer
Last update:
December 03, 2020

Aphthae usually occur on the oral mucosa, but can also grow in the genital area. The blisters are extremely painful and sometimes look like herpes. What is the cause of canker sores and whether home remedies help against the annoying disease.

Aphthae on the inside of the lower lip: When the aphthous ulcer has ruptured, a crater forms and the wound slowly heals. Aphthae are usually not dangerous, but very painful.
© iStock.com/frank600

First the good news: Canker sores are harmless and usually heal on their own. The bad thing, however, is that they are extremely painful and can come back over and over again. The lenticular Vesicles are a very common disease of the Mucous membrane. You meet almost everyone at least once in a lifetime. Some people even get sores again and again. Women are particularly affected.

Aphthae: the best home remedies and medicinal herbs

Aphthae: the best home remedies and medicinal herbs

Depending on the size and appearance, medical professionals differentiate between them Forms of canker sores:

  • Minor canker sores are no more than five millimeters in size. This is the most common form of canker sores with 90 percent. They only form superficially on the mucous membrane and usually heal again without any problems.

  • Major canker sores are much larger and can reach a diameter of three centimeters. They grow deep into the mucous membrane and are slow to heal. However, they are very rare.

  • Canker sores that resemble herpes (Herpetiforms Canker sores): This variant is even rarer than major canker sores and rarely occurs individually.

Symptoms: How to recognize canker sores

First a small, yellowish-white one forms on the mucous membrane bladder with a reddish rim that is filled with liquid. The tongue, cheek lining and gums are particularly affected. The canker sores pain, burn and interfere with eating, drinking and sometimes talking.

Sometimes the blisters simply heal again, others burst. It imagines craterwhich in turn hurts and can become inflamed. It can take 14 days for a normal canker sore (minor canker sore) to heal. No scar is formed. With major canker sores, the healing process takes much longer and it remains one scar back.

You can recognize herpetiform canker sores by the fact that they are only the size of a pinhead and occur in large numbers. They hurt even more than other canker sores.

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Aphthae: causes and risk factors

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. What is certain, however, is that they only form when the Mucous membrane something is inflamed. As trigger for inflammation of the mucous membrane and thus risk factors for canker sores apply:

  • Mechanical irritation, i.e. pressure points in the mouth and on the tongue, for example from poorly seated ones Braces and aligners

  • Hormone fluctuations in women (menstruation)

  • stress or other emotional stress

  • Deficiency in minerals and vitamins, especially iron, zinc and vitamin B12

  • Food intolerance, for example to gluten

  • certain foods that much acid or sugar contain

  • immunodeficiency, for example after an infection

In addition, genetic readiness plays a role in the development of canker sores. Studies have shown that mouth sores are particularly common in some families.

Are canker sores contagious and do I have to see a doctor?

Although scientists are discussing whether canker sores also come through Viruses can be triggered, the doctrine currently still applies that the mucosal lesions are not contagious. Use the same cutlery or glass as well Kiss so don't seem to matter.

Herpetiform canker sores are also generally considered non-contagious. They are not caused by herpes viruses and just look something like the familiar ones Lip vesicles. Nevertheless, you should be on good terms with canker sores hygiene ensure that the stressed mucous membrane does not become inflamed.

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Anyone who gets a canker sore for the first time should have this clarified by the doctor. After all, it can look similar in the early stages. To rule this out, it is important to get a medical diagnosis. The dentist or the Dermatologist can usually do this by visual diagnosis and microscope clarify. Even if canker sores are very large, occur again and again or are accompanied by aching limbs and fever, a visit to the doctor is useful.

A special case of the skin disease are canker sores im Intimate area. Aphthae on the labia, vagina or penis are very, very rare, but extremely painful. The doctor should also assess this and initiate appropriate treatment. In addition, he can clarify whether a sexually transmitted disease or Skin cancer which causes symptoms.

Treating canker sores properly: the best home remedies and medicinal plants

Whether in the mouth or on the genitals: If it is actually an ulcer, the doctor will recommend cortisone in severe cases. However, the following measures are usually sufficient for the treatment of canker sores in the Mouth area and the intimate region:

  • Douches with gargle solutions that have a disinfectant (antiseptic) effect

  • Local anesthetic Anoint, Gels and sprays especially for Mucous membranes and mouth

  • Additionally, look for good ones Oral hygiene. Clean your teeth, including between the teeth. However, be careful not to injure the canker sores during the cleaning operations.

Because canker sores are so common and in most cases harmless, there are quite a number of them Home remedies. This includes:

  • Higher proof alcohol, such as rum: soak a cotton swab with alcohol and smear the canker sores with it (please do not use it on children).

  • Tea tree oil: dab the canker sores with a cotton swab soaked in tea tree oil several times a day, ideally after eating and drinking. However, some people are allergic to tea tree oil.

  • Chamomile extract: Use for external treatment of the Canker sores Chamomile extract. Its active ingredients disinfect, support healing and dry out the blister.

  • Myrrh tincture: The resin of the commiphores has an antibacterial effect and relieves inflammation. Myrrh is therefore often used in small Skin injuries used, for example against canker sores.

  • Seven facts about rhubarb: The roots of rhubarb contain active ingredients that have proven effective against inflammation. As a tincture is suitable rhubarb therefore for the treatment of canker sores. Its tannins pull the vesicles together and dry them out.

  • Aloe vera: Coat the canker sores with aloe vera gel, which supports the healing process.

  • Calendula tincture: Put a few drops of marigold extract in lukewarm water and rinse your mouth several times a day.

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