Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of behcet’s disease is not known. It is believed that in behcet’s disease, the immune system attacks body’s own healthy cells. Genetic or environmental factors can also make the person susceptible to behcet’s disease.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with painful aphthous ulcers, acne like eruptions on arms, legs and trunk, inflammation in uvea of the eye [uveitis], ulcers in the genital area. Swelling and pain in the joints, erythema nodosum, pyoderma, gangrene, inflammation or narrowing of vessels is also seen. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea with or without blood is observed. Headache, poor balance, disorientation is seen if brain or meninges are affected.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. There is no specific test to diagnose behcet’s disease. Diagnosis is based on following criteria – Presence of an oral ulcer at least 3 times in 12 months along with any 2 of the following four hall mark symptoms Genital ulcer, eye inflammation, skin lesion, positive pathergy test .
Treatment
There is no cure for behcet’s disease .Treatment is aimed at reducing signs and symptoms. It consists of medications like oral or topical Corticosteroids, Immune suppressive medicines. Use of Gels, ointments, skin creams, eye drops, will also help in managing behcet’s disease.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating behcet’s disease. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating behcet’s disease.
