Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs, leading to inflammation throughout the body. Mouth sores are a frequent symptom of lupus. These sores can be an early indicator of lupus or signal a flare-up, a period of increased disease activity. Understanding their appearance and characteristics is important for managing lupus and for early diagnosis.
Appearance of Lupus Mouth Sores
Lupus mouth sores have distinct visual characteristics. They often appear as red or discolored ulcers. Some sores may have a white or silvery appearance, sometimes with a red border or a reddish outline. A common presentation for lesions associated with active disease includes red ulcers surrounded by a white halo and white radiating lines. These patterns can sometimes resemble a lacy network.
The texture of these sores can vary, appearing as flat, raised, or ulcerated areas. While many lupus mouth sores are typically painless, some individuals may experience discomfort or pain, particularly during lupus flares. Sores can range in size from small spots to larger lesions. They do not typically bleed easily unless traumatized.
Common Locations and Characteristics
Lupus mouth sores commonly appear in specific areas. The roof of the mouth, particularly the hard palate, is a frequent site for these ulcers. They can also be found inside the cheeks (buccal mucosa), on the gums, and on the lips. Some individuals may also develop sores on their tongue.
The number of sores can vary, with some individuals experiencing a single lesion while others develop multiple sores. They can be persistent or recur, often indicating active disease or a flare-up. Dry mouth, a common lupus symptom, may contribute to their development or worsening. These sores can impact daily activities such as eating, drinking, and speaking, causing discomfort.
Differentiating Lupus Mouth Sores from Other Conditions
Distinguishing lupus mouth sores from other common oral lesions, such as canker sores (aphthous ulcers), cold sores (herpes simplex), or fungal infections like thrush, involves recognizing key differences. Canker sores, which are typically painful and appear as white or yellowish ulcers with a red border, often occur on movable tissues inside the mouth, such as the soft palate or inside the lips and cheeks. In contrast, lupus sores frequently appear on less mobile tissues like the hard palate and may be painless.
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, are typically fluid-filled blisters that appear on the outside of the mouth, around the lips, and are highly contagious. Lupus sores do not present as fluid-filled blisters and are not contagious. Oral thrush, a fungal infection, appears as creamy white patches inside the mouth and on the tongue, which can often be scraped off. While lupus can increase the risk of infections like thrush due to immune system changes, the appearance of thrush is distinct from typical lupus oral lesions. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, and professional medical evaluation is necessary for accurate identification.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional regarding mouth sores, especially if you have been diagnosed with lupus or suspect an autoimmune condition. Persistent sores that do not heal within a few weeks, or new or worsening sores in someone with a lupus diagnosis, warrant medical attention, as they can signal a flare requiring treatment adjustment.
Unexplained mouth sores, particularly when accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fatigue, rashes, joint pain, or fever, should prompt a visit to a doctor. A rheumatologist, a specialist in autoimmune diseases, or a dentist familiar with oral manifestations of systemic diseases can provide a proper diagnosis and guide appropriate management.