Behçet’s Disease

Behçet’s disease is a rare vasculitis where inflamed blood vessels cause problems like open sores and mouth ulcers. At the Rheumatic Disease Center offices in Milwaukee and Glendale, Wisconsin, the experienced rheumatologists offer specialized treatment to patients with Behçet’s disease. They use advanced treatments like immunosuppressants and biological medication to manage your symptoms. Call your nearest Rheumatic Disease Center office today or book an appointment online for outstanding Behçet’s disease care.

What is Behçet’s disease?

Behçet’s disease or Behçet’s syndrome is a rare form of vasculitis causing blood vessel inflammation throughout the body.

Behçet’s disease symptoms can affect many parts of your body, including:

Mouth

Painful mouth sores are a common Behçet’s disease symptom.

Skin

You might develop acne-like sores on your body or tender, red, raised nodules, especially on your lower legs.

Genitals

Red, painful, open sores might appear on the scrotum or vulva that can leave scars.

Eyes

Eye inflammation (uveitis) causes pain, redness, and blurred vision, usually in both eyes.

Joints

Joint pain and swelling might affect the knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists.

Blood vessels

Vein and artery inflammation can cause blood clots, resulting in pain, redness, and swelling in the arms or legs. Large artery inflammation can lead to aneurysms (ballooning of the artery), narrowness, and blockages.

Digestive system

Digestive system symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding, and diarrhea.

Brain

Brain and nervous system inflammation can cause headaches, fevers, unsteadiness, and stroke.

Behçet’s disease symptoms vary between patients and often come and go.

What causes Behçet’s disease?

Behçet’s disease causes aren’t entirely clear, but it seems to be an autoimmune disorder. That means your immune system wrongly attacks your body’s healthy cells. Genetics and your environment also play a role.

Several genes are common in people with Behçet’s disease. Certain viruses or bacteria can trigger Behçet’s disease in people with these genes.

How is Behçet’s disease diagnosed?

No lab tests can confirm a Behçet’s disease diagnosis. Instead, the Rheumatic Disease Center team uses their experience and expertise to make the diagnosis.

Your rheumatologist might rule out other causes of your symptoms with bloodwork and other lab tests. They could also do a pathergy test, inserting a sterile needle into your skin and then examining the area 1-2 days later. A small red bump under your skin indicates your immune system is over-reactive.

How is Behçet’s disease treated?

Behçet’s disease has no cure, but medication can control the symptoms and help you manage flare-ups. Treatments include:

• Topical steroid creams and gels
• Steroid mouth rinses
• Anti-inflammatory eyedrops
• Colchicine (Mitigare® and Colcrys®)
• Oral corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressant medication
• Biological therapies

Rest and take care of yourself during flare-ups. Exercise more between flare-ups. Walking or swimming helps you stay strong, improves your mood, and keeps your joints flexible.

Call the Rheumatic Disease Center today or book an appointment online if you have Behçet’s disease symptoms.