Does lupus cause mouth sores?
Yes, lupus can cause mouth sores. Between 8 percent and 45 percent of people with lupus experience mouth and nose sores, which are a common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
These sores often appear during lupus flare-ups, but they can also develop when your disease is inactive. They Show Full Answer
Does lupus cause mouth sores?
Yes, lupus can cause mouth sores. Between 8 percent and 45 percent of people with lupus experience mouth and nose sores, which are a common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
These sores often appear during lupus flare-ups, but they can also develop when your disease is inactive. They typically show up on the inner cheeks and lips, the roof of the mouth, and on the lower lip.
What do they feel like?
Lupus mouth sores can feel similar to canker sores. You might experience:
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Pain or irritation
- Sometimes no pain at all (many are painless)
For some people, the pain can be severe enough to make talking, eating, or even drinking water difficult.
What causes them?
Mouth sores can be directly caused by lupus itself, appearing as red spots with a white border (sometimes called discoid lesions). However, in up to 40 percent of cases, the sores aren't caused by lupus directly but may result from:
- Medications used to treat lupus (like methotrexate, NSAIDs, or immunosuppressants)
- Other autoimmune conditions, particularly Sjögren's syndrome, which causes dry mouth and affects 14-18 percent of people with lupus
- Poor oral hygiene
If your mouth sores don't go away or significantly affect your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
January 17
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