Background: Mucous membranes are involved in many different inflammatory disorders.
Methods: We describe the clinical features, diagnostic workup, and therapy of inflammatory diseases of mucous membranes.
Results: The diagnostic workup is based on medical history, clinical manifestations, histopathology, and serology. Inadequate dental hygiene is one of the main pathogenetic factors. Treatment options depend on the diagnosis, underlying cause, and disease severity. Both local and systemic immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory strategies may be effective.
Conclusions: The diagnostic and therapeutic management of inflammatory mucous membrane disorders is usually more difficult than that of skin diseases and requires interdisciplinary cooperation.
Keywords: Aphthosis; Erythema exsudativum multiforme; Gingivitis; Glossitis; Lichen planus.