Behçet’s Disease Overview
Behçet’s disease, also called Behçet’s syndrome, is a rare, chronic condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) throughout the body. This inflammation can affect multiple systems, including the mouth, eyes, skin, joints, genitals, and digestive system. The condition is autoimmune in nature, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
Named after Turkish dermatologist Dr. Hulusi Behçet, who first described the disease in the 1930s, it is most common in countries along the ancient Silk Road, including Turkey, Iran, Japan, and China. However, it also occurs globally — including in South Africa, where it may be underdiagnosed due to its rarity and overlap with other illnesses.
The exact cause of Behçet’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, such as infections. The hallmark symptom is recurrent mouth ulcers, but the disease can also cause genital sores, eye inflammation, skin lesions, and problems in the nervous system or major organs.
Common symptoms include:
- Painful, recurrent mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers)
- Genital ulcers resembling those of herpes
- Eye inflammation (uveitis), which can cause blurred vision or pain
- Red, tender nodules on the skin (erythema nodosum)
- Arthritis-like joint pain
- Fatigue, fever, and general malaise
Behçet’s disease is a relapsing-remitting condition — meaning symptoms flare up and then improve or disappear for periods of time. For some, the disease is mild and manageable; for others, it may be severe and disabling.
Although Behçet’s disease can be distressing and unpredictable, early diagnosis and ongoing treatment help reduce flare-ups, preserve vision, and manage pain.
In South Africa, limited awareness and access to rheumatology services in certain areas may delay diagnosis. Education and specialist referral are crucial, particularly when symptoms involve multiple organs.
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