Oral Ulcers as A Manifestation Of COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study in Egypt

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to examine the prevalence of oral ulcers in COVID-19 patients within the Egyptian population, while considering potential risk factors, assessing pain intensity, and exploring the implications for early detection and treatment. Materials and Methods A questionnaire was developed consisting of 16 questions that included both open-ended and close-ended formats. The survey gathered information on the patient’s demographic characteristics, medical background, oral hygiene practices, associated symptoms, and treatments received. Results Of 363 participants with COVID-19, oral ulcers were found in 34.1% of cases, predominantly affecting the tongue (25.8%), gums (11.3%), and inner oral mucous membrane (9.7%). Ulcer development was significantly associated with corticosteroid therapy, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and diarrhea (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant associations with age, gender, brushing habits, or co-morbidities. Pain intensity increased, as assessed on the pain scale, by 2.08 with abdominal pain and by 0.06 with age, while it decreased with good brushing habits by 2.1 and with patients in the ICU by 4.4. Conclusions The survey findings revealed that tongue ulcers were the most commonly observed oral manifestation among COVID-19-infected individuals in Egypt. The occurrence of ulcers was associated with factors such as corticosteroid therapy, abdominal pain, nasal congestion, and diarrhea. The severity of pain experienced was influenced by abdominal pain and age. Clinical Relevance Recognizing the clinical importance of oral ulcers in COVID-19 aids in the identification of the tangible discomfort experienced by patients and the potential implications associated with these ulcers as an indicative sign of COVID-19 infection.