Behcet’s Disease

Behcet’s Disease can affect both males and females of all ages. The first symptoms often appear between the age of 20 and 30. The disease tends to be more severe in men and when the onset is at an earlier age.

Signs and symptoms of Behcet's disease may vary from person to person and also depending on which parts of the body are affected. Organs that are commonly affected by Bechet's disease include the following:

Painful mouth ulcers are the most common sign of Behcet’s disease. Such ulcers can occur on the inner surface of the lips, gums, cheeks or tongue. They usually heal within 7 to 10 days but often recur.

Skin rashes are also common in Behcet’s disease. Some patients develop acne-like rashes on their body, while others may develop red, raised and tender nodules on their shins. Skin rashes may clear up on their own within 10 to 14 days, but they usually recur.

Patients with Behcet’s disease may develop painful ulcers on their genitals. These ulcers most commonly occur on the penis or the vulva, as round, red and ulcerated lesions. They are not a form of sexually transmitted disease.

The exact cause is unknown. Many believe it is a form of autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system becomes dysfunctional. The body produces antibodies that attack its own healthy cells. Both genetic and environmental factors such as repeated infections have been linked to the possible causes of Behcet’s disease.

The symptoms of Behcet’s disease can mimic many other diseases and therefore these conditions need to be excluded before a diagnosis of Behcet’s disease can be made. There is no specific blood test that can diagnose Behcet’s disease. Hence the diagnosis is based on a set of symptoms and signs, including recurrent mouth ulcers at least three times a year, in addition to two of the following:

There is currently no cure for Behcet’s disease. Treatment strategies focus on controlling inflammation, alleviating the specific symptoms experienced by the patient and preventing serious complications. In mild cases, treatment is only necessary during acute flares and no treatment is necessary in between flares. In severe cases, medication may be necessary over a period of time.

Treatment usually includes one or more of the following:

These are usually applied on the skin rashes or mouth/genital ulcers. They usually contain a steroid drug which reduces the inflammation and an anaesthetic drug which relieves pain.

These reduce the inflammation in the mouth and ease the pain and discomfort.

Eye drops containing steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pain and redness in the eyes.

These oral drugs reduce pain and swelling of the joints, and are particularly useful inarthritis. However, long term use can cause kidney damage, gastric discomfort and even bleeding especially in patients with a previous history of

stomach ulcers. These drugs should also be used with care in patients who have heart disease, hypertension or a history of stroke.

Medication such as prednisolone is often used successfully in patients with moderate or severe Behcet’s disease. It reduces pain and inflammation. Often steroids are used in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs such

as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine or cyclosporine. Since these medications suppress the immune system, there is a risk of infection. Other drugs that have been used to treat Behcet’s disease include colchicine and

Behcet’s Disease affecting the eyes should be carefully monitored by the eye specialist, as it can result in blindness. Although treatment cannot cure the disease, it can often control the disease and reduce the risk of serious complications.

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