Canker sores after visiting Nigeria
I went on a business trip in Lagos, Nigeria for 2 weeks with colleagues. After coming back to Paris, France, 3 of us are having canker sores. Mine appeared about 2 days after coming back, I don't know for the other
As there seem to be no clear consensus on what exactly causes them, I am looking on explanations on what factors could have helped their apparition, and how we could possibly mitigate them, as we are going to travel somewhat regularly to Nigeria.
Here are a few points I think could be leads on the reasons of canker sores:
- Weather is far colder (5-10°C v about 30°C) and drier in Paris than in Lagos.
- Lagos feels a lot more polluted than Paris -even though it can only be an impression linked with the colder weather - and walking near a big street felt like it was hard to inspire among all the exhaust gas.
- We ate more spicy food then in Lagos than now in Paris, however it would seem as a reason on having canker sores there, rather than having them when coming back.
EDIT : to clarify, I am not asking for a treatment, even preventive (though I'd be interested to hear about it), but rather on what possible causes (environmental, food) could have caused canker sores, and possibly ways to mitigate them. As there are questions clearly asking if they need to use a specific medical treatment or not, I don't feel like my question is off-topic, at least not on the basis on asking for health advice.
Best Answer
I have always heard that mouth ulcers, (you call them canker sores,) come from a lack of vitamin C.
When I get them I do increase my fruit intake or, when that is not an option, take vitamin tablets.
It works for me.
Of course, all information in the comments on the question may hold the truth and a change in toothpaste or water may be the cause. Or spicy food.
So bring your usual brand of toothpaste, get yourself used to the same level of spice in your food before you travel, keep avoiding tap water and so on.
As with many sore spots in your mouth, rinsing with a strong alcoholic drink (40% like wiskey or rhum) might kill the pain. It is a painful method. (No rule about spitting out the drink.)
Pictures about "Canker sores after visiting Nigeria"
Why am I getting canker sores in my mouth?
Possible triggers for canker sores include: A minor injury to your mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, sports mishaps or an accidental cheek bite. Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate.Are canker sores caused by a virus?
Unlike cold sores, canker sores don't occur on the external surface of your lips (outside the mouth). "Even though canker sores and cold sores can have the same triggers, canker sores are not contagious," says Dr. Varinthrej Pitis. "There is no virus or bacteria associated with them.How do I get rid of a canker sore fast?
Use salt water or baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water). Dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on your canker sore a few times a day. Avoid abrasive, acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritation and pain.How do you get rid of a canker sore in 24 hours?
Take a three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide and further dilute it with equal part water. Use a cotton ball to dip in the solution and place where needed to soothe pain relief. It is used in powdered form to get rid of a canker sore in 24 hours.What is CANKER SORES? Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: RODNAE Productions, RODNAE Productions, RODNAE Productions, uncoveredlens