Comparison of effects of honey and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis - A randomised, single-blind study

Introduction: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral mucosal disease known to humans and are characterized by the development of painful, recurring solitary or multiple ulcers confined to the oral mucosa. RAS is often painful and worsens during drinking and talking. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effects of honey and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in patients with ulcers of recurrent aphthous stomatitis minor. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients having RAS minor were divided into two groups of 30 participants each by simple random sampling. Group A was treated with application of 0.5 ml of honey thrice a day for a week or until complete healing of the ulcer. Group B was treated with application of 5 g of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide oral paste thrice a day for a week or until complete healing of the ulcer. For all the individuals, baseline parameters like the size of the ulcer, pain, and burning sensation were recorded on day 0, reassessment was done on day 4 and day 7, followed by statistical analysis. Results: The study showed that the reduction in the size of ulcers, VAS score for pain, and VAS score for burning sensation were similar in patients receiving honey as compared to patients receiving 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide. No adverse effects were reported in patients receiving honey, and there were mildly adverse reactions in some patients receiving 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide oral paste. Conclusion: Honey, a natural anti-inflammatory agent, seems to hold immense potential as an alternative medication for managing RAS minor ulcers. It has better patient compliance as compared to 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide.