title: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
abstract: The cause of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) remains unknown despite considerable research. This article reviews the evidence for current theories regarding this disorder, including possible suspected relationships with microbial and immunologic factors, and presents medical diseases that mimic RAS lesions in certain patients. Topical management of the common form of minor RAS is described along with systemic therapy currently available to patients with severe forms of this disease.
authors.affiliation: The Robert Schnatter Center, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Sunday O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Akintoye
authors.forename: Martin S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Greenberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009824:Ointments