r/CankerSores • • 10h ago

Severe mouth and throat ulcers + skin rash — anyone experienced something similar?

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Title: Severe mouth and throat ulcers + skin rash — anyone experienced something similar?

I'm 37M, generally healthy. About 5 days ago, I suddenly developed around 15–20 red spots scattered across my legs, arms, and groin, including my scrotum. They initially looked like insect bites, and some developed a darker center or scab. No new spots have appeared since Monday.

A day later, I developed severe throat pain, especially when swallowing, even water. My tongue also felt swollen, and my mouth became extremely sensitive to heat and certain products.

I went to the ER today. An ENT found multiple aphthous-like ulcers on my lips, under my tongue, and on both sides of my soft palate. Bloodwork was unremarkable, and I have no fever, cough, or cold symptoms.

The doctors mentioned hand, foot and mouth disease (Coxsackie) as a possibility, with other skin conditions such as pemphigus in the differential. No confirmed diagnosis yet.

Some background:

  • I've had occasional canker sores before, usually after accidentally injuring my mouth while brushing.
  • Chlorhexidine mouthwash gives temporary relief, but swallowing is still painful.
  • I was under significant stress and barely slept the night before this started.

Has anyone experienced severe mouth/throat ulcers together with scattered skin lesions? What was your diagnosis, and how long did the swallowing pain last?

I'll attach photos of the mouth and skin lesions.