Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Sore mouth and small bumps on my head....RA or medicine?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Cedar Lake, IN
August 31
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

My rheumatologist told me to take 8000 units of Vitamin A for the sores. I’m on methotrexate. The bumps on the head I’ve not heard of, but I was only diagnosed in April and not too familiar with all the possible side effects. If you try the vitamin A, only take it a week. It starts helping really fast.

August 31
myRAteam

Both RA itself and the medications used to treat it can contribute to mouth sores — so it's a fair question to ask! The bumps on your head are a bit outside what can be confidently addressed here, so definitely mention those to your doctor.

For the mouth soreness, here are some common culprits related to RA medications:

- Show Full Answer

Both RA itself and the medications used to treat it can contribute to mouth sores — so it's a fair question to ask! The bumps on your head are a bit outside what can be confidently addressed here, so definitely mention those to your doctor.

For the mouth soreness, here are some common culprits related to RA medications:

- Methotrexate — blocks access to folate (a B vitamin), which can lead to mouth sores. Taking a folic acid supplement may help
- Biologics like Humira, Cimzia, and Rituxan — can cause mouth and nasal sores in some people
- JAK inhibitors like Rinvoq, Olumiant, and Xeljanz — may cause cold sores or blisters, especially when combined with methotrexate
- Celebrex (celecoxib) — can cause ulcers or white spots in the mouth
- Prednisone — can cause dry mouth, which raises the risk of sores It's also worth knowing that a weakened immune system from RA medications can make someone more susceptible to things like oral thrush (a fungal overgrowth) or other infections that cause mouth sores.

Some myRAteam members have found relief using a prescribed mouthwash, while others swear by sucking on mints or hard candies — one member shared that a couple of Mentos a day seemed to keep the sores away!

Please don't stop or change any medication without speaking to your doctor first, as some need to be carefully tapered. They can help identify the cause and find the best way to manage it.

August 31
A myRAteam Member

I am on methotrexate. I started it in May. It takes a while for it to really start working. My dose was increased 3 weeks ago to 20mg from 15mg. So far, I have not had a ton of relief. It has helped, just not as much as I was hoping it would. I still struggle often. Was your husband told to take folic acid? I take that daily to help with side effects of methotrexate. I have been lucky in that regard. I don't have any side effects from it I don't think. However, I do experience the same symptoms that I did before I started the methotrexate that are also side effects of methotrexate. So, who knows if it's just RA or if its the methotrexate. This can all be very confusing to be honest with you. You should ask his rheumatologist about the bumps. He might need to see a dermatologist. Unfortunately when you have 1 autoimmune disease, it isn't uncommon to have more. Some of them effect the skin, but RA isn't one of them. Don't just over look it, because it could be very important for him to get to feeling better. Was he diagnosed as seropositive or seronegative? And if seropositive, what test came back positive? I only ask because it isn't uncommon to get misdiagnosed in the beginning. A positive anti-ccp test is the only test that is pretty much a sure sign that it's RA. A positive RF or ANA test could mean its a different autoimmune disease. Its so hard to know which one, because they all share so many symptoms. I'm sorry if this was a lot. I hope I didn't make you panic! I'm just being real and honest with you. There are so many folks on here that were misdiagnosed in the beginning. The correct medication can make all the difference in the world!

September 3
A myRAteam Member

My husband just recently started on methotrexate. Was it helpful for you? I am concerned about all the side effects.

September 3
A myRAteam Member

Many years ago I took Methotrexate for 6 months and after stopping it took me over a year to get rid of mouth soreness . Horrible .

September 3

Related Questions

View All

Which RA drugs have caused you mouth sores?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Utah
July 21, 2025

Nose Sores and Mouth Sore... Lupus or RA

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Canon City, CO
May 8, 2021

Can RA Medication Cause Nose and Mouth Sores?
How My Service Dog Has Changed My Life With RA
Bad Taste in Your Mouth? It Could Be Your RA Medication