Q: I am a 34 years old male, suffering from aphthous dermatitis in my mouth (lips, tongue, gums). It lasts for about ten days on a particular area in the mouth and then attacks another area. It has been causing me too much pain. The doctors say that this is a kind of virus, which has attacked me because of my week immune system, and the cure for treating this virus has not been figured out yet. One of my friends, residing in India, asked his doctor about my problem and the doctor has prescribed Becozinc pills. Can I take Becozinc pills? How do I get rid of mouth lesions?

A:Aphthous stomatitis is an illness that causes small ulcers to appear in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue. Aphthous stomatitis is also known as canker sores. The exact cause of this disease is not known. There are many factors that are thought to be involved with the development of canker sores, including weakened immune system and certain allergies that cause the lesions to appear, such as coffee, chocolate, cheese, nuts, citrus fruits, potatoes, stress, viruses and bacteria, trauma to the mouth, poor nutrition and certain medications. For about one-third of the affected, lesions continue to reappear for years after the initial outbreak. These ulcers are not contagious and cannot be spread from one to another. Symptoms may include ulcers in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue, ulcers that are covered with a yellow layer and have a red base. There is no fever present (in most cases), lesions usually heal in 7 to 14 days, but tend to recur. Specific treatment for aphthous stomatitis will be determined by your physician based on: your age, overall health, and medical history · extent of the disease · your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies · expectations for the course of the disease · your opinion or preference The goal of treatment for aphthous stomatitis is to help decrease the severity of the symptoms. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective. Treatment will include: · increased fluid intake · acetaminophen for any fever or pain · proper oral hygiene · topical medications (to help decrease the pain of the ulcers) · mouth rinses (to help ease the pain) It is especially important for you to avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods, which may cause further mouth irritation.