Aphthous Ulcers
Description General and supportive measures Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 code: K12.0 DESCRIPTION Painful ulcers in the oropharynx. Minor ulcers (< 1 cm diameter) usually heal within 2 weeks. Major ulcers (> 1 cm diameter) are very painful, often very deep and persist. GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration by encouraging fluid and food intake –
Description
General and supportive measures
Medicine treatment
Referral
ICD-10 code: K12.0
DESCRIPTION
Painful ulcers in the oropharynx. Minor ulcers (< 1 cm diameter) usually heal within 2 weeks. Major ulcers (> 1 cm diameter) are very painful, often very deep and persist.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration by encouraging fluid and food intake – use bland foods and fluids as they cause less pain.
- For minor aphthous ulcers, use homemade warm saline rinse. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of table salt (sodium chloride) in ~ 200 mL warm water. Rinse mouth but do not swallow.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
For pain:
- Paracetamol, oral, 15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly when required to a maximum of 4 doses per 24 hours.
REFERRAL
- Major aphthous ulcers for further diagnostic evaluation.
- Aphthous ulcers not resolving in 3 weeks for further evaluation.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa Paediatric Hospital _2023, 5th edition_Updated July 2024
Chapter 2: Alimentary Tract, 2.1 Dental & Oral Disorders, 2.1.5 Aphthous Ulcers