 Persons with aphthous stomatitis have no detectable systemic symptoms or signs ( i.e. , outside the mouth ) . Generally , symptoms may include prodromal sensations such as burning , itching , or stinging , which may precede the appearance of any lesion by some hours ; and pain , which is often out of proportion to the extent of the ulceration and is worsened by physical contact , especially with certain foods and drinks ( e.g. , acidic ) . Pain is worst in the days immediately following the initial formation of the ulcer , and then recedes as healing progresses . If there are lesions on the tongue , speaking and chewing can be uncomfortable , and ulcers on the soft palate , oropharynx , or esophagus can cause odynophagia ( painful swallowing ) . Signs are limited to the lesions themselves . 
