Seek care urgently if you have any of these
- An ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks
- A painless ulcer
- White or red patches that will not wipe away
- Difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the neck alongside
- Unintended weight loss
- Ulcers with genital ulcers
If any of the above applies, do not wait for an appointment — go to the nearest emergency department.
Not sure how serious it is?
Answer three quick questions. We will open WhatsApp with your answers written out, so you do not have to explain twice.
How long has it been there?
Is it painful?
Anything else?
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What usually causes this
Aphthous ulcers
The ordinary recurring kind. Painful, small, and heal within two weeks.
Nutritional deficiency
Iron, folate and B12 deficiency all cause recurrent ulcers.
Oral thrush
White patches that wipe off, more common with diabetes or reduced immunity.
Trauma
From a sharp tooth or denture, healing once the cause is removed.
Immune conditions
Including HIV, where persistent oral problems can be an early sign.
What we would check
Full Blood CountDetects deficiencies driving recurrent ulcers HIV TestConfidential; persistent oral problems can be an early sign Blood Sugar TestWhere thrush is recurrentOther symptoms people ask about
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. It cannot replace being examined. All visits to Mascot Healthcare are by appointment — Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM, 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.