Bacterial infections are common presentations to both general practice and the emergency department. The optimal treatment for purulent infections such as boils and carbuncles is incision and drainage. Oral ulceration is a common problem, and is sometimes a marker of gastroenterological disease. Patients with signs or symptoms of oral ulcers are sometimes referred to gastroenterology clinics, however, in most instance the ulcers does not reflect gastrointestinal disease. Indeed, a spectrum of disorders other than those of the gut can give rice to oral mucosal ulcers ranging from minor local trauma to significant local disease such as a malignancy or systemic illness.