| Examine lips and all mucosal surfaces for number, size, and location of lesions. Pain intensity is usually related to the degree of tissue damage. |
| Include assessment of local edema and erythema as well as preexisting periodontal disease that may also be painful. |
| Ask patient to identify painful or burning areas; even if there is no apparent tissue damage, these may become involved later. |
| Culture suspicious lesions to rule out concomitant infection (bacterial, viral, fungal) that may intensify pain and delay healing. |
| Evaluate patient's ability to swallow (including oral analgesics), and restrict oral intake if necessary. |
| Repeat the assessment frequently because clinical signs and symptoms may change. |