Herpetiform RAS — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Crops of numerous (10-100) tiny (1-3 mm) ulcers that may coalesce into larger irregular ulcers
Herpetiform RAS is the least common variant (~5-10% of RAS cases) but the most severe. It presents as crops of numerous (10-100) tiny (1-3 mm), painful, round ulcers on non-keratinised mucosa that may coalesce into larger, irregular, painful ulcers. Despite the name 'herpetiform' (due to clinical resemblance to HSV), it is NOT caused by herpes virus and is not contagious. It predominantly affects adult women. Treatment includes topical corticosteroids, chlorhexidine rinse, and systemic therapy for severe cases (colchicine, dapsone, thalidomide).
Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016