Mouth Ulcers

[Claireandrich]

I get these really bad when I get stressed mainly, but at other times too. At the moment my whole tongue is cover in them so much so I can hardly taste anything. And my mouth is covered in sores too. It really really is painful! I know I am stressed this week - OFSTED at school - but even so, this is ridiculous.

Does anyone know of any solutions? How can I get rid of them? How do I stop the pain? How can I avoid them in the first place (bar quitting this horrid school!)? Please help.

[Chiccadum]

I too tend to get these when I am stressed or if I have a cold. I use Anbesol, upon application it may sting for a split second but it really numbs to ulcers. I usually have this in the house anyway as it can also be used for teething babies, it's about £2.49 for a small bottle but it goes a long way. Hope this helps.

[soyabean]

My ds aged 11 has been getting these a lot too, I am a bit casual about them and always say 'if you still have them at the weekend, we'll go and ask at the Chemist's' but then we forget or they go away, only to return a few days later. So maybe I should try the Anbesol, thanks Chiccadum.

[Claireandrich]

Thanks Chiccadum. I have tried this too as I had it in for DD's teething. I tried Bongela too, and salted water. BTW, the anbesol stung LOADS!!!!!

[Chiccadum]

oooh thinking of the salt water makes my eyes sting, didn't it sting you? Have you tried gargling with something like TCP, Calpol have just brought out a teething gel which is supposed to be a bit stronger than Bongela.

[WideWebWitch]

claireandrich, I had a really stressful time a few years ago and got ulcers all over my tongue and throat. It was so bad I couldn't eat or swallow easily, just awful. Must be painful, my sympathies. My doctor said it was stress and probably wouldn't go away on its own so I got antibiotics and they went in 2 days. Can you quit the horrid school?

[soyabean]

Oh, if it stings, ds may be a bit wimpish about it. had somehow forgotten about good old salt water! Will serve some with breakfast tomorrow!

[Claireandrich]

WWW _ I keep think of the quitting. Especially after this week - OFSTED. The kids have been a nightmare, playing up really bad - even worse than normal. I am a wreck at the moment (just finished for week). My psorasis on my head is raw, the mouh is agony, I have red, dry patches on my arms, and my heart problem (fast heartbeat) is there all the time. Is any job worth this???

Maybe that might have to be the answer - start looking for a good school (like I used to work at!) or re-train, but what of?

Anyway, of the subject now. Might have to try the TCP - bet it's gonna hurt!

Oh well, I'll try anything. Even drinking this glass of wine is hurting, but I'll persevere!!!

[lou33]

Orabase is excellent. It forms a paste over the ulcer to stop it rubbing and causing pain. It doesn't sting either!

[janh]

lou33, is Orabase the waxy stuff in a tiny tube - you have to dry the area of soreness first? If so it was what I was prescribed when I had terrible mouth ulcers during chemotherapy and it was fantastic; I used to have to drag my lip down, blot the ulcer with a flannel until it was really dry, and then blob a bit on and hold until that was dry - then I had no further discomfort. it helped the ulcer heal and protected it from friction. Definitely worth a try.

Claireandrich, you are a hero. Hope it all calms down and you do too soon!

[Twink]

I get loads, and use Anbesol too (although yes, it REALLY stings but helps me to get through a meal). I also use Difflam (I think that's its name) liquid which seems to reduce the time they hurt, although it's expensive. It comes either as a spray or a mouthwash and the latter is far better but less easily available.

[suedonim]

Another vote for Adcortyl in Orabase, here. It doesn't sting and each application lasts for ages. When I've used it at night, it's still been effective next morning. I think it has a little hydrocortisone in it, which promotes healing. Hope you feel better soon, ulcers are such a misery.

[lou33]

That's the one Janh.

[katierocket]

hiya, mouth ulcers can be a sign that you are not getting enough Essential Fats It's the kind of thing that loads of us don't eat enough of - found it cold pressed or vigin olive oils, oily fish, seeds. Most people eat too much saturated fat but essential fats are vital for the body to function properly. unfortunately we don't tend to eat much that contains the 'right' fats these days and mouth ulcers can be an indication that's something is wrong in the diet.

boring I know but might help to think about your diet, especially if you get them all the time.

[ghengis]

I suffer from these when stressed too. I had a particularly bad bout just after moving house and my pharmacist got rid of them in 2 days - cheap zinc tablets and over the counter 'sore mouth ulcer' lozenges (usually used by people with dentures). What a relief to be able to eat properly and enjoy a glass of wine again!

[lou33]

I know someone who gets them in her throat, and it's agony for her.

[leese]

Yep - the orabase was good for me too, if a bit tricky to apply. Don't use too much bonjela, as it actually aggravates ulcers and makes them worse if used too frequently (as I learnt to my cost)
Read an article a while ago about mouth ulcers being linked to zinc deficiency, so bought some zinc tablets from Tesco, and take one a day - since then have not looked back. Ulcers stopped, until I stopped taking the zinc for a week or so, when they returned with a vengeance - so straight back on it, and I have'nt had one since. Not saying this will work for everyone, but worth a try.

[Claireandrich]

Cheers for all the advice. They are starting to improve now I have had the weekend off! I think I have had the paste before years ago on prescription - might go back to GP next week if they are still here.

I will also get some Zinc tablets and have more essential oils I guess. I'm willing to give most things a go.

Still considering that job move too!!!

[suedonim]

Claire, I'm not sure if you meant going to the GP for a prescription or as a general visit - but if it's the former, there's no need as you can buy Adcortyl in Orabase over the counter at the chemsit. HTH. Glad they are getting better, at last.

[percy]

can i ask everyone how they know it is an ulcer or not - pretty grim but i get sores on my tongue - sometimes they hurts and sometimes they don't - i never knew whether they were ulcers or not. they are almost like bald patches on my tongue which at first are surrounded by a white bit????? is this an ulcer???? thanks in advance

[Gilli]

percy - only just seen your post: you may have a condition called lichen planus which results in white lichen like marks sprading onthe sides of your cheeks and toungue. Sometimes these become erosive and ulcerate. Its quite common, and probably linked to stress, and your dentist is the one to identify it for you. It will eventually go away of its own accord with luck. HTH

[jasper]

percy you could also try a websearch on "Geographic Tongue". Pretty harmless but can sometimes be a bit sore.

[robinw]

message withdrawn

[percy]

ooh, thanks for advice - will look up both ideas on the web - its actually really bad at the moment - horrible to look at.

[percy]

having done a bit of research I definately think it is geographic tongue - seems that there is nothing one can do about it though and they are not sure what causes it even. ho hum.