Mr P presents with painful mouth ulcers that developed two weeks ago. He has been using corticosteroid lozenges. New ulcers have formed with increasing pain and he reports pins and needles. A blood test has been requested. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment to help manage Mr P's aphthous mouth ulcers at this stage?

Mr P presents with painful mouth ulcers that developed two weeks ago. He has been using corticosteroid lozenges. New ulcers have formed with increasing pain and he reports pins and needles. A blood test has been requested. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment to help manage Mr P's aphthous mouth ulcers at this stage?

• A. Benzydamine hydrochloride oral rinse
• B. Chlorhexidine mouthwash
• C. Systemic corticosteroids
• D. Lidocaine gel

Answer: (A)

Painful recurrent aphthous ulcers are best managed with a treatment that both reduces local inflammation and provides ongoing pain relief. Benzydamine hydrochloride oral rinse delivers local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects directly to the ulcerated mucosa, offering symptomatic relief without the systemic risks of steroids. This makes it the most appropriate option at this stage, especially while awaiting blood test results to explore other causes. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is mainly antiseptic and may help with secondary infection but doesn’t alleviate pain as effectively. Systemic corticosteroids would be unnecessarily strong for typical aphthous ulcers and carry more risk. Lidocaine gel can numb the area temporarily but doesn’t address inflammation and isn’t as suitable for ongoing relief.

Painful recurrent aphthous ulcers are best managed with a treatment that both reduces local inflammation and provides ongoing pain relief. Benzydamine hydrochloride oral rinse delivers local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects directly to the ulcerated mucosa, offering symptomatic relief without the systemic risks of steroids. This makes it the most appropriate option at this stage, especially while awaiting blood test results to explore other causes. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is mainly antiseptic and may help with secondary infection but doesn’t alleviate pain as effectively. Systemic corticosteroids would be unnecessarily strong for typical aphthous ulcers and carry more risk. Lidocaine gel can numb the area temporarily but doesn’t address inflammation and isn’t as suitable for ongoing relief.