Comparing the Effect of Phenytoin Versus Triamcinolone on Aphtous Lesions

Introduction: An aphthous lesions, as the most common ulcerative lesion of oral cavity, is still an unknown disease. In spite of its irritating and painful nature, no definite treatment has been found till now. Triamcinolone acetonide is used regularly for symptomatic therapy of aphthous lesions, which has is expensive and not available everywhere in Iran. Phenytoin has been shown to have antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of phenytoin versus triamconolone acetonide topical preparations on recurrent aphthous stomatitis of Behcet's disease. Methods: Sixty patients with Behcet's disease were enrolled in this study while referring to an outpatient clinic of Shiraz University. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group one received phenytoin syrup for topical use, while group two consumed triamcinolone acetonide topical ointment. All patients were re-evaluated one week after the start of treatment. Pearson and Chi-square tests were used. Results: No statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups regarding patients' age and sex. 53.3% of patients in group one responded to therapy, while remission of lesions occurred in 86.7% of patients in group two (P<0.05). Conclusion: Phenytoin is not a suitable substitute for triamcinolone acetonide in treating aphthous lesions of oral cavity.