What are the symptoms of Behcet's disease

Behcet's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, skin damage, and eye inflammation. It may also be accompanied by abnormal manifestations of joints, nervous system, and digestive tract. This disease requires early medical attention to avoid worsening of the condition and the occurrence of complications.

1. Oral Ulcers

The most common initial symptom of Behcet's disease is recurrent oral ulcers. Ulcers present as small circular or oval wounds, usually accompanied by significant pain that affects eating and speaking. Oral ulcers usually heal on their own within 1-3 weeks, but they are prone to recurrence. For oral symptoms, local use of hormone ointments such as hydrocortisone ointment, avoidance of spicy and irritating foods, or rinsing with warm salt water can be attempted to alleviate discomfort.

2. Genital Ulcers

Genital ulcers in Behcet's disease patients are characterized by deep, single or multiple recurrent occurrences, often accompanied by pain. Men may experience it in the scrotum or penis, while women are more likely to experience it in the external genitalia or vagina. Female patients are particularly susceptible to mobility issues or increased pain due to ulcers. For genital ulcers, local anti infective agents such as fusidic acid cream can be used while maintaining cleanliness to avoid infection.

3. Skin Damage

The skin manifestations of Behcet's disease patients include red nodular rashes or more severe pustular lesions, often accompanied by inflammatory reactions, especially in the limbs or areas exposed to pressure or friction. To alleviate symptoms, your doctor may recommend the use of topical anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen gel, or oral immunomodulators.

4. Inflammation of the eye and other organs

Eye inflammation such as retinitis is a serious complication of Behcet's disease, which may lead to vision loss or even blindness. The manifestations of this inflammation include redness, burning sensation, and blurred vision in the eyes. If you experience eye symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist and control inflammation through medication, such as using hormone eye drops or immunosuppressants. Other organs such as joints and digestive tract may also cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint swelling and pain, which usually require systemic anti-inflammatory drugs to control.

5. Neurological Symptoms

In rare cases, Behcet's disease can affect the central nervous system, leading to headaches, epileptic seizures, or consciousness disorders. These symptoms are serious lesions that may pose a threat to life. Once they occur, they require professional diagnosis and treatment from a neurologist. Behcet's syndrome has certain individual differences and may be accompanied by damage to multiple organs. In severe cases, it can even lead to irreversible physical dysfunction or endanger life. If patients suspect that they have the above symptoms, please seek medical attention as soon as possible and control the condition promptly through immunosuppressants, hormone drugs, symptomatic treatment drugs, etc., to avoid disease progression.