What is Geographic Tongue?

Geographic tongue leads to island-shaped lesions that render your tongue a map-like manifestation. The lesions can come into sight on the higher surface furthermore sides of the tongue. They appear ragged in addition to uneven, as well as sometimes contain white borders or edges.

The lesions are risk-free. They’re not a symptom of an infection, cancer, otherwise additional serious medical issue. In its place, the misshapen spots are a symptom of inflammation disturbing your tongue’s exterior.

The symptoms of geographic tongue comprise:

• uneven, island-shaped red lesions that are smooth and perhaps sensitive
• white otherwise light-colored borders that possibly will be slightly raised in the region of the edges of the lesions
• patches or else lesions of differing sizes as well as shapes
• patches or else lesions that come into view to “migrate” or move as of one region of the tongue to one more in a matter of days otherwise weeks
• patches that approach and go extremely speedily
• sensitivity to definite substances, together with cigarette smoke, toothpaste, mouthwashes, sweets, sugar, as well as hot, spicy, or else highly acidic foods
• mild discomfort otherwise fiery sensations on the tongue or else in the mouth
• Symptoms can last as extensive as a year, and they possibly will return at one more point.

Reasons for geographic tongue

• Psoriasis
• Lichen planus
• Vitamin B deficiency
• Pregnancy

Treatment options

Geographic tongue does not require a treatment or else cure. The majority lesions furthermore symptoms will fade away in a a small number of days otherwise weeks. Still, a number of treatments possibly will assist decrease symptoms:

• OTC medicine: Some pain or else discomfort created by the lesions possibly will be treated with an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen otherwise naproxen sodium.
• Prescription medicine: Your doctor possibly will recommend a corticosteroid rinse to assist decrease the inflammation. A mouth rinse by means of a gentle anesthetic possibly will in addition assist decrease pain and irritation.
• Keep away from problem foods: If you experience bigger irritation with definite foods, steer clear of them. Foods that usually cause irritation otherwise a burning sensation comprise hot or else spicy foods, acidic foods, salty foods, furthermore sweet foods.
• Keep away from flavored toothpaste: Toothpastes that are extremely flavored or else have supplementary astringent cleaning ingredients possibly will aggravate your tongue.