Suggest Treatment For Persistent Mouth Sores

Posted on Tue, 21 Jun 2016

Question: My husband has had mouth sores (like Kancersores) since we returned from Jamaica in late XXXXXXX
We left for Florida in late Feb. and he still had them. We drove down to XXXXXXX visiting friends on the way, then went on a cruise out of XXXXXXX XXXXXXX was not feeling well the whole vacation. We came home on March 10th, and he still had the mouth sores AND his back (for 25 yrs had sciatic problems) was unable to release (we figure, from the long drive). Dr. said no chance of release with cortizone shots - and that it was time for back surgery. (They always told him he would know when it was time.) Since then, April 1st, he has lost 25 lbs...(going on 6 weeks), STILL has the mouth sores...Saw a respected Dermatologist (did a biopsy) and now he wants him to take vitamins - you know, the zinc, bcomplex and multi - WELL, he can't swallow them...everything is a "catch 22". And has had a 2nd MRI because his back is killing him! The 2nd MRI reading came out good - Dr. is happy with himself...I'm just not happy that the love of my life's back is still really hurting him - needing (only 1-2 oxy) a night - Dr. says that's not awful after invasive surgery...and I know we are both afraid of pills (in our late 50's ad 60's) - so I totally know he's not getting addicted - he just needs them for BACK PAIN! He has lost SO much muscle in the last 2 months, I can't belive it. He is in SO much pain tonite - only 1 oxy...Then I try to justify, it is only going on 6 weeks...(thing is - no one usually has 2 major pains at once - his MOUTH and his BACK. Please help with suggestions...

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try a short course of low dose oral steroids...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query and an elaborate history.

Seldom, aphthous ulcers will remain stubborn for the usual line of treatment. In that case, it would be ideal to use short course of low dose of corticosteroid. A 5mg tablet would be ideal. The tablet can be crushed, mixed in a glass of water, gargled and swallowed. Taking this 3 times a day, for 3-4 days, can relieve the pain and heal the ulcers. If there is diabetes, then, you should talk to your doctor before taking these medicines.

Also, you can try using dilute povidone iodine mouth gargles or throat spray to maintain the oral hygiene and hasten the healing process. Encourage your husband to drink plenty of warm water. Warm water increases the blood circulation and helps in healing of the ulcers. Continue with vitamins.

Hope this answer was useful. I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad