There are no illnesses or cancers associated with it. Though some people may experience discomfort, pain, or burning these sensations are almost exclusively the result of contacting spicy or acidic foods.
In some cases, geographic tongue may look more like a painful ulcer. Despite the appearance, these cases of geographic tongue may not even cause discomfort. In other cases, geographic tongue may exist along with a condition called fissured tongue, which is often easier to see.
Below are some examples of geographic tongue and how it may look. Please be aware that some of the images may be quite graphic:. There is currently no known cause of geographic tongue.
Researchers have begun to look into connections to other conditions, such as psoriasis. However, more research is needed to confirm any connections. Scientists have identified two potential risk factors for geographic tongue. One is fissured tongue, a condition where the tongue has grooves all along the surface. Another potential risk factor is genetics, as the condition may be passed down from one generation to the next.
Left untreated, most cases of geographic tongue clear up on their own with no medical intervention. People who do not realize they have it may never be treated, and they may suffer no ill effects. Even after being treated, the symptoms of geographic tongue may return after some time. Treatments for geographic tongue include:. Treatments are not well-researched. People may not be able to tell if the treatment has an impact on the course of the condition, as geographic tongue tends to clear up without intervention anyway.
There are no major complications associated with geographic tongue. As mentioned above, there are no illnesses or cancers that are known to stem from geographic tongue. Due to its appearance, geographic tongue may lead some people to experience anxiety or other psychological complications. The anxiety may stem from the fear of negative judgement by others. Does geographic tongue lead to health problems?
Is it something you need to treat or see a professional about? We've rounded up the answers to the most common questions on the condition and organized them for your convenience. Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, causes the surface of your tongue to have an irregular, patch-like appearance. This condition gets its distinct name from the fact the patches can look similar to a geographic map.
If the look of this condition alarms you, first take a deep breath. Your tongue is covered in small, hair-like structures called papillae that are pink-white in color. These patches will typically heal on their own and move to a new area of your tongue, which is why the condition is known as migratory glossitis.
It may reassure you to know that geographic tongue typically does not require treatment as it is benign. This condition can last for anywhere from days to years and often disappear and reappears completely on its own.
Unexplained lesions could be a sign of other, more serious health conditions. Visit an emergency room or call if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, though these symptoms are not known to be caused by geographic tongue. We think it's a fantastic idea to prioritize your comfort and engage in activities that reduce your stress.
If you have trouble overcoming stress associated with your condition, considering speaking to a dental or medical professional for reassurance. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences notes that the cause of geographic tongue is unknown.
This condition may be linked to psoriasis and lichen planus, though the connection is not well understood. People of every age, gender, and ethnicity are susceptible. It can be challenging to find red patches on your tongue. Find comfort in the fact that dental and medical professionals are ready to help diagnose your problem. You're now prepared to care for your geographic tongue by avoiding spicy foods and focusing on reducing your anxiety.
These indentations can be irritating and sometimes painful. Researchers do not know exactly why geographic tongue develops, but certain people may be more likely to develop it than others. These people typically have a disease or condition that increases their risk. This common skin condition causes a build-up of skin cells on the surface of the skin. The overabundance of skin cells can turn into thick scaly patches that are frequently itchy and uncomfortable.
People with psoriasis are more likely to develop geographic tongue, and some experts think geographic tongue is an oral form of psoriasis. This inflammatory condition causes bumps and lesions on the surface of the skin or inside the mouth. A geographic tongue may be the oral form of this condition.
Having too little vitamin B can cause inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms on the tongue. People who are vitamin B deficient are more likely to have bald areas on the tongue.
These areas are where the papillae have disappeared. People who do not have enough vitamin B may also develop geographic tongue. This can make a mother vitamin deficient, and she may experience symptoms like a geographic tongue. If you notice unusual lesions on your tongue and you begin experiencing breathing problems, difficulty speaking, or an inability to swallow or chew, seek emergency medical attention.
You may be experiencing a more serious condition that is not geographic tongue. If you notice the telltale signs of the condition or begin developing irritation or pain, make an appointment to see your doctor. Most cases of geographic tongue will go away without treatment in a few days.
Symptoms may appear for a few days and then disappear for several months. Likewise, the map-like appearance may be present for several months and then disappear for years. A geographic tongue is not a sign of a more serious condition, so you do not have to worry about it developing into something else.
Geographic tongue is very distinct, so your doctor may only need to see your tongue to make a diagnosis. Still, your doctor may decide to rule out other possible conditions to make sure the lesions are not the result of another disease or problem. To do this, your doctor may use blood tests to look for markers of inflammation, infection, or nutritional deficiencies. They may also use a lighted instrument to inspect the mouth, throat, and tongue for signs of other conditions.
Rarely, a biopsy of skin may be necessary if the condition does not resolve in a few weeks. Geographic tongue does not have a treatment or cure. Most lesions and symptoms will disappear in a few days or weeks. Still, some treatments may help reduce symptoms:.
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