Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid commonly used in dermatology for its exfoliating properties, has some scientific support for use in treating canker sores (aphthous ulcers). Several small clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of topical glycolic acid in promoting the healing of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine (2003) demonstrated that patients who applied glycolic acid gel to their ulcers experienced faster healing and reduced pain compared to those who received placebo treatment. The proposed mechanism is that glycolic acid accelerates epithelial turnover and may have a keratolytic effect that removes necrotic tissue, thereby facilitating more rapid mucosal repair. However, the number of studies is limited, sample sizes have generally been small, and the concentrations/formulations used have varied. While this evidence suggests some benefit, glycolic acid is not yet a mainstream therapy for canker sores, and further large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are warranted before it can be widely recommended. In summary, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting topical glycolic acid for canker sores, but it should be used with caution and under professional supervision.

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