Behcet's Disease
If you experience recurrent sores in your mouth or genitals, it could be Behçet's disease, a rare condition.
Differences between simple canker sores and other conditions.
Behçet's disease is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, and it is relatively more common in regions along the Silk Road, including Korea.
- Recurrent painful oral ulcers that occur more than 3 times a year are the most characteristic symptom.
- It is suspected when accompanied by vulvar ulcers, skin nodules or rashes (not acne), and uveitis of the eye (redness, pain, and blurred vision).
- If the diagnostic criteria are met, it is diagnosed in the rheumatology department, and it is eligible for special medical benefits.
Source: 질병관리청 희귀질환헬프라인 · as of 2026-08-13
We must observe the long-term encroachment.
Ulcers and skin symptoms are managed with colchicine or similar medications, while immune suppressants and biological agents are actively used to treat eye, gastrointestinal, vascular, and neurological involvement. In particular, eye involvement can threaten vision, so if you experience any eye symptoms, seek immediate consultation from both an ophthalmologist and a rheumatologist. Recurrent abdominal pain and bloody stools (Behcet's syndrome with gastrointestinal involvement) are also important signs to watch out for.
Source: 질병관리청 희귀질환헬프라인 · as of 2026-08-13
Frequently asked questions
I often get mouth ulcers, does that mean I have Behçet's disease?
No, most cases of recurrent oral ulcers are simple aphthous ulcers. However, if you experience recurring ulcers accompanied by symptoms such as vulvar lesions, eye problems, or skin nodules, please seek medical attention.
Is Behçet's disease hereditary?
It is associated with a specific genetic predisposition (HLA-B51), but it is not directly inherited, and family occurrences are rare.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 희귀질환헬프라인 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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