evaluation of the effect of a clobetasol propionate and nystatin mouthwash on recurrent aphthous stomataitis

statement of problem: recurrent aphthous stomatitis (ras) is one of the most common diseases affecting human oral mucosa. the etiology of this disease remains unclear; therefore a definitive treatment has not yet been established and corticosteroids might be prescribed to reduce the symptoms associated with ras. purpose: the aim of this study was to determine the effects of a mouthwash containing 0.05% clobetasol and nystatin on aphthous ulcers. materials and methods: forty patients with ras, 18 males and 22 females with an age range of 11-50 years, participated in this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. the subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups. group a received a mouthwash containing 0.05% clobetasol and 100,000 iu/cc nystatin with instructions to rinse with 20 drops for 5 minutes, 3 times daily. group b (control) received placebo and was asked to follow the same instructions. all symptoms along with possible adverse effects were measured and recorded during the 2-week study period. statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and independent paired t-tests. results: complete resolution of the lesions and their symptoms was observed in 85% of the participants in group a. two (10%) patients showed no response to treatment and the symptoms increased in 5% (1 patient). there were no measurable changes in pain or healing time of the ulcers in the control group. conclusion: the use of the tested mouthwash was found to be a safe and efficacious treatment for ras of the oral mucosa.