Behcet disease

Description

A rare condition that causes swelling, also called inflammation, in blood vessels.

Overview

The cause of Behcet (beh-CHET) disease is not known. But it may happen when the body's immune system attacks healthy cells. This is known as an autoimmune condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms include mouth and genital sores, skin rashes, and eye inflammation that causes redness, pain and blurred vision. Behcet disease also can cause painful swelling in the arms and legs.

Treatments

Treatments include medicines to manage the pain and swelling during flares. Corticosteroid creams, mouthwashes and eye drops can give relief. For worse symptoms, a healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to manage Behcet disease throughout the body, as well as medicines for flares.