Behcet's disease

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Definition

Behcet's (beh-CHETS) disease, also called Behcet's syndrome, is a rare disorder that causes chronic inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. The inflammation of Behcet's disease leads to a variety of signs and symptoms that may seem unrelated.

Behcet's disease most commonly affects men and women in their 20s and 30s, though children and older adults can also develop the condition. Behcet's disease is most common in countries in the Middle East and Asia, including Turkey, Iran, Japan and China. While Behcet's disease occurs in both men and women, the disease is usually more severe in men. Behcet's disease is also typically more severe when it occurs at an earlier age.

No cure exists for Behcet's disease. The signs and symptoms of Behcet's disease — which may include mouth sores, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores — vary from person to person and may come and go on their own. Treatment aims to reduce the signs and symptoms of Behcet's disease and to prevent serious complications, such as blindness.

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Symptoms