Current concepts in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers.

Recurrent aphthous ulcers are a common oral mucosal condition affecting about 20 percent of the general population and characterized by recurrent ulcers on the nonkeratinized mucosa. The majority of patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers tend to be healthy, although appropriate management of recurrent aphthous ulcers includes ruling out an oral manifestation of systemic disease. Management involves controlling active disease locally to reduce pain and maintain function and reducing the frequency and severity of recurrences, with a goal of a prolonged remission.