Finding Foods that Work for You When You Have Oral Lesions
When pemphigus or pemphigoid affects your mouth or throat, something as simple as eating can become a painful and frustrating experience. Blisters and raw areas in the mouth, on the tongue, or down the throat can make chewing and swallowing difficult. But eating shouldn’t feel like a battle – you deserve to nourish your body in a way that supports healing and brings comfort. Good nutrition is essential for wound healing, maintaining energy, supporting your immune system, and managing the side effects of medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. But when oral or throat involvement limits what you can eat, meeting your nutritional needs can be a challenge.
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a licensed healthcare professional trained to help you make food choices that support your health. An RD can work with you to identify soft, ntrient-rich foods that won’t irritate your mouth or throat. They can help you create a meal plan that meets your protein, vitamin, and calorie needs and even recommend strategies to maintain weight and muscle mass if you’re losing weight unintentionally.
Try these foods:
- Smoothies
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt (non-acidic)
- Soup
- Cooked vegetables
Keeping a food journal can help you identify patterns – what foods feel soothing, which ones make symptoms worse, and how your body responds. Write down what you eat (or take a picture of your plate before eating on your mobile device), how your mouth or throat feels afterward, and any flare-ups or improvements you notice. This record can help both you and your medical team adjust your diet for comfort and healing. Every small choice adds up to better healing. If you feel it would be helpful for you, download the IPPF Food tracker.
Next Time: “Rest is Healing: Tips for Better Sleep“