Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions? Gallery of Skin Problems and Images Collection

Medical Author:

Edmond A Hooker, MD, DrPH

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Canker Sore Prevention

• Avoid anything that could cause trauma -- even minor trauma -- to the mouth, such as hard toothbrushes and rough foods.



• Stress reduction: For many patients, stress is a reason for more recurrent attacks, and stress-management techniques may decrease the frequency of attacks.



• Avoid toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate if you tend to get canker sores.



• Do not talk while chewing.



• Have any irregular dental surfaces repaired.



• Hormonal factors can sometimes trigger an outbreak in women during the premenstrual phase. Oral contraceptives may be helpful in this regard.



• If you have a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12, make sure you are taking the appropriate supplements; however, in most cases, this will not produce any improvement in the recurrence of the ulcers.