IS APHTHOUS STOMATITIS DUE TO THE VIRUS OF HERPES SIMPLEX?

Abstract

There has always been considerable confusion in regard to the classification and etiology of the small, acute, benign, painful ulcerations in the mouth known by the laity as "canker sores." The term "aphthae" which has been handed down from ancient medicine has been applied to several different types of lesions of the mouth, including aphthous stomatitis, thrush and Bednar's aphthae. It is an indefinite term signifying merely some sore in the mouth, the exact nature of which varies according to the author's conception of the meaning of the word. Under the general heading of "aphthae" comes the disease which I am discussing, aphthous stomatitis. This has several synonyms, such as "canker sore," "vesicular stomatitis" and "herpetic stomatitis." The clinical manifestations are well known. The disease may occur at any age, but is seen most frequently in the young. The onset is sudden. A small slightly inflammatory spot appears on the