DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home » Topics A–Z » Oral dysaesthesia
Author: Dr Delwyn Dyall-Smith FACD, Dermatologist, 2010.
Oral dysaesthesia describes a painful, burning feeling in the mouth. See Cutaneous dysaesthesia. It can be classified as:
Oral dysaesthesia may result from local or systemic conditions.
Local causes | |
---|---|
Infection |
|
Contact stomatitis | Irritation or allergy due to contact with:
|
Dry mouth (xerostomia) | Reduced parotid salivary gland output due to:
|
Other local causes |
|
Systemic causes | |
Anaemia |
|
Autoimmune diseases | |
Connective tissue diseases | |
Dehydration | |
Hormonal disorders | |
Lichen planus | |
Medications: |
|
Neurological disorders |
|
Nutritional deficiencies |
|
When taking the history, the pattern of pain can be classified into three types:
Further questioning will inquire about symptoms of associated disorders, general health, diet and medication use including prescribed, over-the-counter and alternative therapies.
A thorough clinical examination must be performed. This should include careful evaluation of the mouth, head and neck for local causes. A general examination including the skin and nails may provide evidence of nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, hormonal deficiencies or lichen planus. A neurological examination will assess for neurological deficits including the neuropathies of diabetes and vitamin B12 deficiency.
The diagnosis of oral dysaesthesia is made on careful history and examination. Sometimes the pattern of pain may give a clue as to the cause:
A list of possible causes can then be made.
The actual cause, however, may only be determined with further investigations. These will be determined by the clinical findings and may include:
Blood tests
Other tests
Treatment is of the underlying condition, and therefore options will include, amongst others:
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]
© 2021 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.