Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common condition that is affecting young adults. The management of RAS aims at identifying and controlling the possible predisposing factors, exclude possible underlying systemic causes, control pain and to accelerate healing.
A wide variety of systemic and topical agents has been suggested for the treatment of RAS. Although there are several trials employing different systemic and/or topical agents in the treatment of RAS, there is no strong evidence on the superiority of any therapeutic or curative agent for this disorder.
Topical agents may be sufficient to lessen the pain in some patients; however systemic corticosteroids/immunosuppressant agents may be necessary to control pain in others. Therefore, the severity and frequency of ulcers may be used as guidance in the management of RAS patients. This paper reviews the available topical agents that have been used in the management of RAS.