Herpetiform Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Associated with Iron Deficiency Anemia in a Child

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is the most common oral mucosal lesion found in childhood. It is a painful inflammatory process of the oral mucosa. Although the exact etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis is unknown, different hematinic, a nutrient required for the formation of blood cells, deficiencies have been proposed. This case study describes iron deficiency anemia in an 8-year-old female who suffered from severe herpetiform recurrent aphthous stomatitis, a rare clinical form in pediatric patients. A complete history and physical examination to rule out systemic disease is vital for an accurate diagnosis and care plan. Replacement therapy with oral ferrous fumarate led to improvement of the lesions in this patient. Clinicians, including pediatric nurses, should always consider recurrent aphthous stomatitis in a pediatric patient as a manifestation of an underlying health disorder.