Continued: @A MyLupusTeam Member

Lupus-induced mouth lesions have to be diagnosed with a simple brush biopsy to identify specific cellular activity. Most lupus-induced mouth sores occur on the gums or roof of the mouth. Here's a description of them from Molly's Fund:

"Mouth sores related to lupus most often present on the roof of the mouth but can also occur on the gums, inside of the cheeks, and the lips. These sores are usually painless (although some may experience pain), which makes them different from other types of mouth sores or ulcers like canker sores. Mouth sores that are associated with lupus are typically red ulcers surrounded by a white ‘halo’ with white lines that radiate from the center. These types of lesions are called discoid lupus lesions."

http://www.mollysfund.org/2015/04/mouth-sores-l...

The mouth sores I get are exactly like those described above in the Molly's Fund article. As I said earlier, they are always in the same place on my left, upper gum. I have had my biopsied to prove they were lupus-induced. I also get canker sores, which is also fairly common with lupus patients. Canker sores are caused by a virus in the Herpes family, as in chicken pox.

I rinse my mouth with warm salt water. There are a large number of home remedies and OTC medications that are used to treat canker sores.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/canker_sores/art...

I have found that anything that causes "stress" is capable of causing lupus flares or varying degrees. Infections from a cold or flu virus is certainly enough to set off a lupus flare. Since your symptoms could be related to just a cold or flu virus, and/or an infection-induced lupus flare, I'd treat them the same way, as I've found that the oral treatment for one works for the other. Also, don't stress yourself anymore. You'll be fine. I promise.

Be well, live long, and prosper,

Tom Willingham

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I know sometimes it hard to tell the difference in a cold sore or lupus sore,for some the lupus sore will last longer then a cold and the appearance of the sore is different.Anytime we have a viral infection,lupus will show up in the mix and cause and turn something simple into a mild flare. most lupus sore are on the cheek,tongue or the gum line,Most cold sores are on the lip,inside or on the outside of the lip.It's so confusing,if your not getting better in 3 to 4 days of a cold,see your Dr.Hugs&Blessings.

ANA test, can tell you a lot.

Your Dr. Can get you a Rx for magic mouth wash it has lidocaine in it works really well.

Hello my neighbor to the north, @A MyLupusTeam Member

Mouth sores, especially on the gums, are one of the diagnostic criteria used by rheumys to diagnose lupus. Mine are almost always in the same place. Inside my upper left gums. They usually persist long than canker sores.

Here's a little description I "borrowed" from WebMD on cold sores vs. canker sores. More to come on lupus mouth sores.

"Are Cold Sores and Canker Sores the Same Thing?
No. Although cold sores and canker sores are often confused with each other, they are not the same. Cold sores, also called feverblisters or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. Also, cold sores typically appear outside the mouth -- usually under the nose, around the lips, or under the chin -- while canker sores occur inside the mouth.

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?
You may have a canker sore if you have:

A painful sore or sores inside your mouth -- on the tongue, on the soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks
A tingling or burning sensation before the sores appear
Sores in your mouth that are round, white or gray, with a red edge or border
In severe canker sore attacks, you may also experience:

Fever
Physical sluggishness
Swollen lymph nodes"

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-s...

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