Description

Geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue. The tongue is usually covered with tiny, pinkish-white bumps called papillae. These papillae are actually fine, hairlike structures. With geographic tongue, patches on the surface of the tongue are missing papillae. These patches are smooth and red in color, often with a slightly raised borders.

This condition is called geographic tongue because the patches make the tongue look like a map. The patches usually appear in one area and then move to a different part of the tongue.

Although geographic tongue may look alarming, it does not cause health problems. Not associated with infection or cancer. Geographic tongue can sometimes cause tongue pain and makes it more sensitive to certain foods, such as spices, salt, and even sweet.

Symptoms

The symptoms of geographic tongue may include:

  • Soft, color-red, irregularly shaped spots on the top or side of the tongue. These patches look like sores.
  • The frequent changes in the location, size, and shape of the patches.
  • Pain or a burning sensation in some cases, most often related to eating spicy or acidic foods.

Many people with geographic tongue do not have symptoms.

Geographic tongue can last for days, months or years. The problem often goes away by itself, but may re-appear later.

When to see a doctor

Because most of the people with geographic tongue do not show symptoms, does not need treatment. If you have symptoms, may be related to a fungal infection, so see your doctor or dentist. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help relieve symptoms.

Causes

The cause of geographic tongue is not known, and there is no way to avoid it. There may be a link between geographic tongue and other conditions, such as psoriasis. This is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches. But more research is needed to learn about the possible connections with other health conditions.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of geographic tongue include:

  • The history of the family. Some people with geographic tongue have a family history of the same. So that genetic factors may increase the risk.
  • Crenated tongue. People with geographic tongue often have a condition called tongue fissured. This is when deep grooves called fissures appear on the surface of the tongue.

Complications

Geographic tongue is a harmless, but can sometimes be uncomfortable. Not pose a threat to your health, cause long-term complications or increase your risk of major health problems.

This condition can cause anxiety. This is due to the appearance of the tongue can be embarrassing, depending on how well the patches can be seen. It can also be hard to believe that it's nothing serious.

Diagnosis

Your doctor or dentist can usually diagnose geographic tongue looking at your tongue and going over your symptoms.

During the exam, your doctor or dentist may:

  • The use of a lighted instrument to check the tongue and mouth.
  • You will be asked to move your tongue around in various positions.
  • Gently touch your tongue to check for sensitivity or unusual changes in the language of the texture.
  • Check if there are signs of infection, such as fever or swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.

Some of the symptoms of geographic tongue may look like other conditions, such as oral lichen planus. This condition appears as a lacy white patches in the mouth — sometimes with painful sores. For some conditions, you may need to be ruled out before making a diagnosis.

Treatment

Geographic tongue usually does not need any medical treatment. While the geographic tongue can sometimes cause pain in the tongue is a harmless condition.

To control pain or sensitivity, your doctor may recommend medications, such as:

  • The analgesics available without a prescription.
  • Mouthwashes that numb the area.
  • Antihistamine oral rinses. Antihistamines are used to reduce the inflammation.
  • Ointments with corticosteroids or mouth rinses. Corticosteroids are used to manage conditions that cause swelling or affect the immune system, such as lichen planus.
  • The vitamin B and zinc.
  • Medicines for fungal infections.

Because these treatments has not been studied in great detail, their benefits is not known. From the geographic tongue is coming and going on your own, you may not be able to tell if the treatments are causing the disappearance of the symptoms.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Most of the people with geographic tongue do not experience symptoms. But if you have symptoms, can reduce the pain by staying away from, or limitation of substances commonly found sensitive to the oral tissues feel worse. These substances include spicy or acidic foods or beverages, as well as alcohol and tobacco.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are concerned about how your tongue looks, make an appointment with your dentist or physician.

What you can do

Prepare your questions ahead of time to make the most of your appointment. Basic questions to ask include:

  • Why is my language, this aspect?
  • It could be any other possible cause?
  • How long will this last condition?
  • What treatments are available?
  • Is there something I can do at home to relieve my pain?
  • What should I do if my tongue is turned on again?

What to expect from your doctor

Be prepared to answer these questions:

  • When I did the red spots first appear?
  • It has the appearance of red spots that has changed?
  • Have the patches are moved to different places in your tongue?
  • Have you had any other red patches or sores in the mouth?
  • Have you had an ache or pain?
  • Do spicy foods, acidic foods, or anything else that seem to cause pain?
  • Have you had any other symptoms that may seem unrelated to the condition of your tongue?
  • Have you had a fever?

Preparing and hoping questions will help you make the most of your time.

Symptoms and treatment of Geographic tongue.