APHTHOUS ULCER

Homeopathic Treatment for Apthous:

Homeopathic treatment is strongly suggested for all cases of recurring and chronic Oral ulcers with great success. Depending on the cause behind the ulcers, the treatment has to be targeted.

Definition:

An Aphthous ulcer (canker sores) is basically a skin disease causing small ulcer in the lining of the mouth that are frequently painful and sensitive. Canker sores are usually found on the movable parts of the mouth, such as the tongue or the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, throat and at the base of the gums. About 20% of the population (one out of five people) has canker sores at any one time. Women are affected more often than men. The ulcers usually last one to two weeks. And generally heal without leaving a scar.

Signs and Symptoms include:

• Burning or Tingling sensation.
• General discomfort or uneasiness.
• Listlessness.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Fever may also develop
• Skin lesion on mucous membranes of the mouth may occur, which are painful and begins as a red spot or bump.
• Round, white sores with a red edge can also be seen in the patient of aphthous ulcer.
• Faulty immune system function, (autoimmune disorders). Examples of autoimmune disorders are systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, and Behcet's disease

Factors that seem to trigger outbreaks of ulcers include:

• Genetic factor may play a part in some cases.
• A food allergy may be the cause.
• Nutritional problems, such as a deficiency of vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid or iron
• Emotional stress and lack of sleep
• Changes in hormone levels. Some women find that mouth ulcers occur just before their period. In some women, the ulcers only develop after the menopause
• Mechanical trauma, for example self-inflicted bite
• Smoking and dentures can also contribute to the problem.
• Rinse your mouth after every meal and brush at least twice a day to keep the mouth free from debris.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure:

• Use only soft bristled tooth brush to clean your teeth.
• Taking nutritional diet with adequate amount of fluid helps you to keep away from not only ulcers but also other diseases.
• Avoid use of tobacco products and alcohol, as they can irritate the lining of the mouth.
• Avoid very spicy and hot food.

Painful canker sores often break out during times of stress. They are often related to nutritional deficiencies or allergies to foods and other substances. Homoeopathic remedies can ease the pain of canker sores, reduce inflammation, and help the tissues heal. In Chronic Cases or recurrence, Homoeopath has to understand the patient as an individual by thorough case history to choose the appropriate Homoeopathic Medicine. Homeopathy treats the person as a whole which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc.

Common homeopathic remedies include:

• Arsenicum album: A person who breaks out in burning, painful mouth sores, and also feels anxious and tired, is likely to benefit from this remedy. Hot drinks often ease the pain, and the person feels best when keeping warm. People who need this remedy often have unhealthy, easily-bleeding gums.
• Borax: This remedy is often helpful when canker sores feel hot and sensitive. Acidic foods-especially citrus fruits-may be irritating. Sores may break out on the inside of the cheeks, on the gums, and on the tongue. The person produces profuse saliva, yet still feels dry inside the mouth. People needing Borax are often very sensitive to noise and inclined toward motion sickness.
• Calcarea carbonica: For infants and small children have recurring canker sores. A child who needs this remedy may also have head-sweats during sleep, and be slow to teethe or learn to walk. Calcarea carbonica may help with canker sores in adults who are chilly, stout, and easily fatigued.
• Hepar sulphuris: If a person develops painful mouth sores that become infected-with pus formation, extreme sensitivity, and aggravation from cold drinks-this remedy may be indicated. A person needing Hepar sulph often feels extremely chilly, vulnerable, and oversensitive.
• Mercurius solubilis: Bleeding gums, a swollen coated tongue, and offensive breath are seen along with canker sores. The painful, burning sores feel worse at night, and salivation is profuse, with drooling during sleep. The person tends to sweat at night and is very sensitive to any change in temperature.
• Natrum muriaticum: The mouth feels dry, and the tongue may have a tingling feeling. People who need this remedy often are troubled by cold sores around the corners of the mouth or chin, and have chapped or cracking lips. A craving for salt, strong thirst and a tendency to feel worse from being in the sun are other indications for Natrum muriaticum.
• Nux vomica: The patient may break out in canker sores after overindulging in sweets, strong spicy foods, stimulants, or alcoholic beverages. Irritability, impatience, and a general chilliness are often seen when this remedy is needed.
• Sulphur: This remedy may be helpful for sores that are painful, red and inflamed, with burning pain that is worse from warm drinks and aggravated by heat of any kind. The mouth may have a bitter taste, and the gums can be swollen and throbbing. A person who needs this remedy often has reddish lips and mucous membranes, and a tendency toward itching and skin irritations.
• In Acute Condition Calendula Officinalis Mother Tincture Will Be Effective To Get Local Relief.