What If you have a patchy Tongue?

 

Fig: Dorsum of the tongue showing erythematous patches having white borders.

This condition giving a patchy appearance to your tongue is known as" Geographic Tongue". It is also known as benign migratory glossitis due to the ability of the lesion to migrate from on site to another on tongue over time.

It is a benign condition typically found on the lateral sides, tip and dorsum (top) side of the tongue. It is not a pre-cancerous lesion or condition. Moreover, it's not a contagious condition so you cannot get it if you pass by or eat with a person having this condition.

GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

It is usually an asymptomatic condition with only 1 in 1o patients have mild burning sensations on having spicy food or acidic food.

The signs of geographic tongue are patches on the dorsum side of tongue. These patches may have,

a) light pink or white color border
b) variation in size and shape.

c) no raised or nodular appearance.

Mostly this condition is an accidental finding by the patient while looking at the tongue in front of a mirror or a dentist spots it during a clinical examination.

GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE CAUSES:

Exact cause of geographic tongue is still unknown but it has seen running in families with a positive family history so it might be the genes responsible for that.

It has also seen in patients with auto-immune disorders like Psoriasis.

It is mostly seen in younger adults and females are found to be more affected.

GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE TREATMENT:

The burning sensation will mostly go on its own but if you have a constant and severe pain, your dentist or doctor may prescribe,

a) pain killers

b) anti- inflammatory drugs

c) anesthetic mouth rinses

d) Topical steroids

e) zinc supplements.