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Are White And Red Sores Suggestive Of Canker Sores?
Question: Is the white spot and red around it a canker sore? How long will it take to heal. There is some slight discomfort. How long to heal as I've had it for 4 days now.
Brief Answer:
Appears to be a canker sore. Can last for 2-3 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
This lesion does have the appearance of a canker sore - ovoid ulceration covered with white membrane surrounded by red tissue.
Canker sores are self-limiting (heal on there self), painful, small ulcerations of the oral mucosa. They are usually recurrent. Food and movement of the mouth can exacerbate the pain.
They generally take about 2 weeks to heal completely without a scar formation.
The exact etiology is unknown, but they are believed to be stress or anxiety induced, or from local trauma such as teeth, toothbrushing, or food. They are more common in people with deficiencies of iron, zinc, vitamin B, and folate. In addition, they are more common in families.
If the canker sore continues for over 2 weeks I would recommend getting screened by a medical professional including blood work and vitamin deficiencies. There are several diseases that can cause canker sores, and all of them should be investigated if the sore does not resolve in 2 -3 weeks.
In the meantime:
- Avoid potentially irritating food or drink: Spicy, Acidic, Hot, Carbonated beverages, Abrasive/hard foods (i.e., chips, nuts, etc.).
- Gentle toothbrushing
- Steroids can help
- Multivitamin and B12 supplement
Appears to be a canker sore. Can last for 2-3 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
This lesion does have the appearance of a canker sore - ovoid ulceration covered with white membrane surrounded by red tissue.
Canker sores are self-limiting (heal on there self), painful, small ulcerations of the oral mucosa. They are usually recurrent. Food and movement of the mouth can exacerbate the pain.
They generally take about 2 weeks to heal completely without a scar formation.
The exact etiology is unknown, but they are believed to be stress or anxiety induced, or from local trauma such as teeth, toothbrushing, or food. They are more common in people with deficiencies of iron, zinc, vitamin B, and folate. In addition, they are more common in families.
If the canker sore continues for over 2 weeks I would recommend getting screened by a medical professional including blood work and vitamin deficiencies. There are several diseases that can cause canker sores, and all of them should be investigated if the sore does not resolve in 2 -3 weeks.
In the meantime:
- Avoid potentially irritating food or drink: Spicy, Acidic, Hot, Carbonated beverages, Abrasive/hard foods (i.e., chips, nuts, etc.).
- Gentle toothbrushing
- Steroids can help
- Multivitamin and B12 supplement
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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