Behcet disease is a rare, chronic disorder. Blood vessels are inflamed throughout the body. It causes ulcers in the mouth and genitals, and inflammation in the eyes.
The cause of Behcet disease is unknown. The body’s immune system may be too active. When this happens, healthy tissue is attacked. It’s not known what causes this problem. It may be related to genetics or a reaction to an infection.
Your chances of Behcet disease are higher if you:
Symptoms vary from mild to very serious. They also tend to come and go over months or years. The most common are:
Serious problems associated with Behcet:
These problems need prompt medical care.
Diagnosing Behcet disease is difficult because symptoms:
There are no specific tests to diagnose Behcet disease. It may be suspected based on:
Mouth sores at least 3 times within a year and at least 2 of these:
You may have a pathergy skin test. The skin is pricked with a small needle. If you have Behcet disease, a bump will develop at the site of the skin prick. However, this test is not conclusive. Many people with the disease do not have a reaction to the skin prick.
For some people, the illness may go away on its own. If care is needed, it focuses on treating problems to prevent serious complications. With proper care, Behcet disease can be managed.
Topical medicines include creams, lotions, and mouth rinses. They help ease swelling and pain.
Other medicines are taken by mouth to:
You and your doctort will watch for serious side effects to these medicines.
General guidelines include:
Behcet disease can’t be prevented because the cause is unknown.
American Behcet's Disease Association
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Behçet disease. Genetics Home Reference website. Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/behcet-disease. Updated July 3, 2018. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Behçet disease. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/vasculitis/beh%C3%A7et-disease. Updated September 2017. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Behcet syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114300/Behcet-syndrome. Updated April 2, 2018. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Behcet's disease. American Behcet's Disease Association website. Available at: http://www.behcets.com/site/c.8oIJJRPsGcISF/b.9196317/k.904C/Behcets_Disease.htm. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.