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Health condition

Behçet's disease: the skin lesions

Behçet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory condition whose commonest features are skin and mucosal: recurrent painful mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, acne-like spots and tender nodules - with the pathergy reaction as a diagnostic clue. The UK has dedicated Behçet's centres of excellence.

Why trust this guide

  • 01

    Editorial team

    Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.

  • 02

    Sourced from guidance

    Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.

  • 03

    Current for 2026

    Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.

Key facts

The essentials at a glance.

The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.

  • Recurrent oral aphthous ulcers (at least three episodes a year) are the near-universal feature; genital ulcers heal with tell-tale scars

  • Skin lesions include acne-like papulopustules beyond typical acne sites and erythema nodosum-like tender nodules

  • Pathergy - a pustule forming at the site of a simple needle prick after 24-48 hours - supports the diagnosis

  • Eye inflammation, vascular and neurological involvement drive prognosis; the UK's Behçet's centres (London, Birmingham, Liverpool) coordinate care

Understanding the condition

What it is and what happens next.

What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.

What it is and how it feels

There is no single test for Behçet's, so the diagnosis is assembled from recurrent patterns - mouth ulcers that are larger, more numerous and slower-healing than everyday aphthae, genital ulceration, characteristic skin lesions and eye or vascular events - which is why skin and mucosal signs, being visible and countable, carry so much diagnostic weight. It most often begins in the twenties and thirties and is more severe in men and in people along the historic Silk Road ancestries.

Diagnosis and treatment routes

Suspected cases warrant referral to one of the national Behçet's Centres of Excellence, where dermatology, ophthalmology, rheumatology and oral medicine assess together; urgent same-week ophthalmology is essential for any eye symptoms. Skin and mucosal disease responds to colchicine, topical steroids and apremilast, with azathioprine, TNF inhibitors or interferon reserved for major organ involvement - and smoking cessation genuinely reduces oral ulcer burden. In much of the UK, a routine NHS referral to the relevant specialist clinic can take several months, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.

Seeing a specialist

Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.

The specialist for this condition is usually a dermatologist within a Behçet's specialist service. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Behçet's disease: the skin lesions.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What is behçet?

    Behçet is a recognised medical condition that can affect people in different ways, ranging from mild and easily managed to more significant, depending on the underlying cause, how early it is picked up, and how it is treated. Getting a clear diagnosis is usually the first step towards the right management plan.

  • What causes behçet?

    Behçet can arise from a combination of factors, which may include genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, other underlying health conditions, or simply the normal effects of ageing on the body. In many cases no single cause is found, and several factors act together. A clinician can help identify which factors are most relevant in an individual case.

  • What are the symptoms of behçet?

    Symptoms of behçet vary from person to person and depend on how severe the condition is and which structures are affected. Some people notice symptoms gradually over weeks or months, while others experience a more sudden onset. Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a proper assessment is important to reach an accurate diagnosis rather than relying on symptoms alone.

  • Is behçet serious or dangerous?

    Most cases of behçet are manageable, especially when identified and treated early, but severity varies from mild and self-limiting to more significant, depending on individual circumstances. Left unassessed, some cases can lead to complications or a longer-term impact on daily life. If you are worried about your symptoms, it is always worth getting them checked rather than waiting.

  • Is behçet hereditary or genetic?

    Some cases of behçet have a genetic component and can run in families, while others occur without any family history at all. Having a relative with the condition may modestly increase your own risk, but it does not mean you will definitely develop it yourself. If you are concerned about a family history, mention this to your doctor, as it may occasionally influence screening or monitoring.

  • Can behçet be cured, reversed or prevented?

    Outlook varies with behçet: some cases resolve completely with treatment, others improve significantly but need ongoing management, and a smaller number become a long-term condition to be controlled rather than cured. Prevention strategies, such as addressing modifiable risk factors, can reduce your chances of developing it or of it recurring, but cannot guarantee against it in every case.

  • How is behçet treated?

    Treatment for behçet is tailored to the individual and depends on severity, underlying cause and personal circumstances. Options can range from simple lifestyle measures, monitoring and conservative treatment through to medication, specialist procedures or surgery in more significant cases. A specialist assessment helps identify which combination of treatments is most appropriate for you.

  • How long does behçet last?

    The duration of behçet varies considerably: some people recover within days or weeks, while others live with a more persistent or recurring condition that needs ongoing management. Response to treatment, how early it is started, and individual factors all influence the timescale. Your clinician can give you a more personalised estimate once your specific circumstances are known.

  • When is surgery needed for behçet?

    Surgery is not usually the first option for behçet and is generally reserved for cases where conservative treatment has not worked, symptoms are severe, or there is a significant structural problem that needs to be corrected directly. The decision depends on your specific findings, symptoms and how they are affecting your life. A specialist consultation is the best way to establish whether surgery is being considered too early, or should be considered sooner rather than later.

  • When should I see a doctor about behçet, and how quickly can I be seen privately?

    It is worth seeing a doctor about behçet if symptoms are persistent, getting worse, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting to see if they settle on their own. NHS routine referrals to a specialist can currently take anywhere from around 20 to 45 weeks or more depending on your area, whereas a private consultant can typically see you within about 2 weeks. Getting an earlier assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and start the right treatment sooner.