Oral Medicine Residency Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
Abstract
Introduction: A number of clinical conditions in oral cavity can be experienced by people with HIV/AIDS, one of them is aphthous stomatitis. Aphthous stomatitis in HIV/AIDS patients will display different characteristics compared with immunocompetent individuals. This literature review aims to discuss the management of aphthous stomatitis in patients with HIV/AIDS. The management includes clinical symptoms and the treatment of aphthous stomatitis in HIV/AIDS patients.
Methods: Literature was obtained from several journals and books from digital sources. Searches included all journals and books that discussed "aphthous stomatitis in patients with HIV/AIDS and its management".
Result: Clinical symptoms of aphthous stomatitis in HIV patients, such as higher tendencies of recurrence, of longer duration and clinical symptoms more severe than immunocompetent individuals. Treatment of aphthous stomatitis in patients with HIV/AIDS includes topical treatment using antimicrobial mouthwash and corticosteroids. If topical treatment does not prove successful or the lesion continues, the patient could be considered for systemic administration of the drug. Improvement of local and systemic factors and increased nutrition will support the healing process of the ulcer, preventing and reducing the frequency of aphthous stomatitis recurrence.
Conclusion: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis in HIV/AIDS patients can be severe, recurrent and have significant morbidity that will interfere with the quality of the patient's life. The main goal of treatment is to encourage faster healing of the ulcer, pain control, maintain the nutrient intake and reduce the frequency of recurrence.
Keywords: Aphthous stomatitis; clinical management; HIV/AIDS patients.
