Mouth ulcers are really common with lupus, and many MyLupusTeam members know the struggle all too well. As one MyLupusTeam member put it, "I can barely talk when I have mouth sores. Even drinking water is painful." Another shared, "Pretty much anything I ate was painful."
The good news is there are several things that can Show Full Answer
Mouth ulcers are really common with lupus, and many MyLupusTeam members know the struggle all too well. As one MyLupusTeam member put it, "I can barely talk when I have mouth sores. Even drinking water is painful." Another shared, "Pretty much anything I ate was painful."
The good news is there are several things that can help. Here are some options others have tried:
- Saltwater rinses — dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish for up to 10 seconds
- Numbing gels or anesthetic agents before eating to reduce pain
- Lysine supplements — some members swear by these to keep ulcers away
- Folic acid supplements — may help, especially if levels are low
- Avoiding trigger foods like citrus, tomatoes, salty foods, and for some, gluten A doctor can also prescribe more targeted treatments, such as:
- Medicated mouthwash with chlorhexidine or dexamethasone
- Topical steroid paste like triamcinolone dental paste
- Topical numbing rinses containing benzocaine
It's worth mentioning any mouth ulcers to your rheumatologist, especially if they're frequent or severe, as they can sometimes be linked to lupus activity or even a medication side effect. Keeping lupus well-controlled is one of the best long-term strategies for reducing them.
Before starting any supplements, always check with your doctor first to avoid interactions with your current medications.
May 29
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