Behcets Disease

Symptoms and treatment of Behcets disease

While many people think of ulcers as a stomach problem, the truth is that ulcers can occur on numerous areas of the body, including in the mouth and on the skin.

Just as there are many types of ulcers, there are also many causes. Mouth ulcers, also commonly called canker sores, are a fairly common affliction and can result from such benign causes as lack of sleep or hormonal changes. However, mouth ulcers, particular when coupled with skin lesions or genital ulcers, may indicate a chronic condition known as Behcet’s disease.

What Is Behcet’s Disease?

Behcet’s disease, or Behcet’s syndrome, is an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in the blood vessels (vasculitis), which in turn leads to mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, skin ulcers (or lesions) and inflammation in the eye (retinitis, iritis and/or uveitis). It is common in the Middle East and Asia (hence its nickname, “Silk Road disease”) but is fairly rare in the United States. It affects both men and women, with the onset of symptoms usually occurring in the 20s or 30s.

Although the disease can be painful and somewhat debilitating when symptoms are severe, it is not deadly. However, it is a lifelong illness; sufferers cycle through periods of recurrence and remission.

Symptoms and Treatment of Behcet’s Disease

The most common Behcet’s disease symptoms are mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, skin problems and eye inflammation, but additional symptoms include inflammation of the digestive or central nervous systems. Some sufferers also experience the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in Behcet’s disease (swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints), but these tend to dissipate after a few weeks. Mouth ulcers are the most common and most persistent symptom.

Because Behcet’s disease is a rare and chronic disorder, there is no cure for this particular malady. However, the symptoms can be controlled through the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Additional treatments for specific symptoms—for example, topical analgesics for canker sores—may also be indicated.