← All diseases

Blood and immune system diseases

Behçet disease

A disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and affects many parts of the body. Painful sores in the mouth and genital area, as well as skin and eye problems, may occur.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Orphanet has a guideline for emergency doctors for this disease (language: French). See on Orphanet

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Blood and immune system diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

In Behçet disease, there is inflammation in the blood vessels. This inflammation can affect many parts of the body. Symptoms come and go over months or years. The cause is not fully known; the immune system is thought to play a role.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms often begin when people are in their 20s or 30s. Flare-ups may be followed by periods without symptoms.

  • Repeated painful sores in the mouth (most common, often the first symptom)
  • Painful sores in the genital area (common)
  • Acne-like rashes or red, painful lumps on the skin (common)
  • Inflammation in the eye; blurred vision and sensitivity to light (in more than half of people)
  • Joint pain and swelling (common)
  • Blood clots in the blood vessels (sometimes)
  • Nervous system symptoms such as headache or memory problems (sometimes)
  • Digestive system problems (sometimes)

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single test that shows the disease. The diagnosis is made based on symptoms occurring together. In the pathergy test, the skin is pricked with a needle to see whether redness appears. Blood tests and imaging help to rule out other diseases.

Treatment and care

There is no cure, but the symptoms can be brought under control. Medicines that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system are used. Stronger treatments may be needed when the eyes or blood vessels are severely affected. Doctors from different specialties follow the patient together. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

Behçet disease is not a disease that passes directly from parents to children. A genetic tendency and environmental factors play a role together. The disease is also not contagious.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics — Behçet disease · NHS — Behçet's disease · Orphanet — Behçet disease (ORPHA:117)

Key facts

How common is it?
Prevalence: 1-9 per 100 000 (Europe)
How is it inherited?
Multigenic / multifactorial
When does it usually start?
Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about Behçet

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 13 active interventional studies for this disease. 10 are recruiting now; 2 have sites in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Blood and immune system diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:117 · ICD-11 4A62

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 6, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.