People with recurrent sores in the mouth or genitals may be experiencing aphthous ulcers as a symptom of celiac disease. Although canker sores may have various causes, evidence suggests that gluten may trigger the appearance of these painful skin ulcerations. Learn basic information about these sores and their relationship to celiac disease and how a gluten free diet may help decrease the frequency of aphthous ulcers related to celiac disease.
What are Mouth Ulcers (Aphthous Ulcers)?
Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores or oral ulcers, form on the mucous membranes and on the genitals. These ulcers are typically round or oval in shape and usually occur on the inside of the lips or cheek or under the tongue or on the genitalia. This is in contrast to angular stomatitis, which typically occurs on the corners of the mouth, or a cold sore (herpes infection) that usually appears on the upper or lower edge of the lip.
Other identifying characteristics of a typical aphthous ulcer include:
- appear as a yellow area initially
- red line often encircles the ulcer
- tend to turn white or gray in the middle
- often painful, particularly when exposed to irritating foods, drinks, or movements
- occupy a distinct area while other tissues are unaffected
Recurrent aphthous ulcers are usually smaller than 5mm and usually take about one to two weeks to heal completely. Larger ulcers that are greater than 10mm in size, called major aphthous ulcers, can take much longer to heal and may result in scars. Another type of aphthous ulcer, called herpetiform ulcers, present as many tiny ulcers that often appear on the tongue and typically heal within a month.
According to DermNet’s June 15, 2009 article entitled “Aphthous Ulcers,” approximately 20% of the population experiences apthous ulcers, which often begin to appear in younger years. About 40% of people who develop these ulcers have a family history of these painful sores. The above web page also shows nice quality, close-up pictures of aphthous ulcers.
Gluten Sensitivity May Cause Mouth Sores
According to a May 1998 National Institute of Health article by Not T et. al. entitled “Celiac disease in the USA: high prevalence of antiemdomysium antibodies in healthy blood donors,” as many as one out of 250 people may have a gluten sensitivity. Because celiac disease may be underdiagnosed in many countries, including the United States, many people have a gluten sensitivity without being aware of it.
Celiac disease, or celiac sprue, has been associated with a wide range of symptoms or other health conditions, including anemia, asthma, diarrhea, constipation, joint pain, hair loss, short stature, and many other seemingly unrelated health conditions. According to a May 27, 2008 National Institute of Health article updated by Christian Stone, MD entitled “Celiac disease – sprue,” mouth ulcers are included as one of the many nonintestinal symptoms of celiac disease.
The only effective treatment for celiac disease at this time is a diet completely free of gluten. A gluten-free diet may help improve or decrease the appearance of mouth and genital ulcers in people who are experiencing aphthous ulcers if those ulcers are due to a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Ulcers in Mouth and on Genitals May be Related to Gluten
People who experience recurrent aphthous ulcers in the mouth and/or on the genitals may try many home remedies or have multiple medications designed to help curb the pain associated with these sores. If these sores are related to a gluten sensitivity, people may notice that the sores may appear when gluten is ingested and pleasantly surprised if a gluten-free diet helps to prevent future outbreaks of these ulcers or if the restricted diet results in less frequent outbreaks.
Because aphthous ulcers may have many causes, many of which are still being investigated, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before attempting self-treatment of these ulcers. Readers who suspect that they may have celiac disease should consult a healthcare professional before changing the diet.
This article is for information only and should not be considered medical advice.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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