title: Case study: aphthous ulcers in a 14-year-old girl.
abstract: Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs), also known as canker sores, aphthous stomatitis, or aphthae, are a very common and often painful condition presenting in primary care. The majority of aphthous ulcers are benign, time-limited (7 to 14 days), and in some cases, require pain management until healed. However, RAUs can be a manifestation of a serious health condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, human immunodeficiency virus, infection, and hematologic or oncologic conditions. Initially, the most important priority in caring for these patients is to obtain a complete history and physical examination to rule out systemic disease and lead to an accurate diagnosis and plan of care.
authors: Primary Care Clinic, Child Health Associates, Warrenton, VA, USA.
authors: Karlin T
authors: KT
authors: Krebs
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000175:diagnosis; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006138:Guaiac; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D006138:Guaiac