#Aphten: Painful, unsightly and always recurring

Aphthae are small but quite painful sores in the mouth or on the inner part of the lips. They show a whitish coating and are surrounded by a reddish edge.

Medicine speaks of recurring aphthous stomatitis and thus describes one of the most common injuries to the oral mucosa: it affects the mucous membrane of the cheeks, the mucous membranes on the inner side of the lips and occurs laterally on the tongue and on the soft palate. Approximately 15-25 % of the population in Central Europe suffer from these recurring injuries.

result of an immune reaction

Aphthous ulcers are caused by a strong immune system reaction, which causes tissue to die. This results in veritable holes in the oral mucosa, the nerve endings are exposed and so aphthae are often very painful. However, the exact triggers for this immune reaction and thus for the aphthous ulcers in the mouth are largely unclear.

Neither a bacterial nor a viral origin has been proven, but it is now known that canker sores are the result of a T-lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune response or a reaction to an unknown antigen. Canker sores are common within families, suggesting inheritance; if both parents have canker sores there is a 90% chance their child will have them too.

What to do about it

Mouthwashes with sage, chamomile, rathania, arnica or mallow also relieve the symptoms, as do tea tree oil or propolis (bee resin).

But products that have been proven to regenerate tissue, such as all Gengigel products that contain a high proportion of hyaluronic acid, are also very helpful here.

Simply apply Gengigel Gel to the canker sores as often as necessary. Due to its composition, it adheres well to the mucous membranes and can have a good effect here.