This condition gives your tongue a distinct look that can cause concern when you first experience it. 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.
Depending on the cause, some people who experience geographic tongue may benefit from trying medication to treat allergies antihistamine. For people who have a chronic health condition such as psoriasis and experience geographic tongue as a result, usually treating the underlying condition resolves the lesions.
Since most people who have benign migratory glossitis don't realize they have it, finding painful lesions in the mouth can be alarming. While the condition usually doesn't require medication, those who experience pain may benefit from treatment with topical steroids, antihistamines, or soothing mouth rinses.
If a red patch bleeds, enlarges, develops irregular contours or surface, causes pain, or persists for more than several weeks, one should see a doctor to rule out a more serious lesion, such as one caused by tongue cancer. You can't get geographic tongue by, say, kissing someone who has it. The characteristic patches of smooth skin develop when there's a loss of papillae—the minute, finger-like projections that cover the surface of the tongue.
Most of the papillae on the tongue have sensory organs that are responsible for the ability to taste taste buds and to distinguish between sweet, sour, savory, salty, and bitter flavors. Not very. Some research suggests young adults are most often affected and females are more likely to have geographic tongue than are males. It doesn't spread in the same way, say, an infection might.
However, patches can appear in other parts of the mouth, including the gums, top of the mouth, and insides of the cheeks. In these cases, the condition is called geographic stomatitis or erythema migrans. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Masferrer E, Jucgla A. Images in clinical medicine. Geographic tongue. N Engl J Med. Radfar L. American Academy of Oral Medicine.
Updated May 13, National Organization of Rare Disorders. Geographic tongue and psoriasis: clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and genetic correlation - a literature review.
An Bras Dermatol. Common tongue conditions in primary care. Am Fam Physician. Medline Plus. Updated Feb 27, KidsHealth from Nemours. What are taste buds? Cleveland Clinic. Updated Sept 23, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
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. Additionally, a person may worry that there is something more seriously wrong. If a person notices smooth, red patches on the tongue, they should seek a diagnosis from a doctor or dentist.
Though geographic tongue may be benign with no associated complications, some more serious conditions may be mistaken for geographic tongue. A doctor or dentist may diagnose geographic tongue. This is most commonly done through a simple examination of the tongue and mouth.
They may:. In some cases, a doctor may order additional tests if they suspect the condition is not geographic tongue. With geographic tongue, a person will live an otherwise normal life.
The appearance of the tongue and mild discomfort are often the biggest concerns a person may have. In most cases, the patches eventually clear with no intervention. There are no lifestyle changes that the person needs to make, as nothing will help prevent the condition from appearing again in the future. However, they may want to avoid acidic or spicy foods. A white tongue can be unsightly and cause pain and social embarrassment.
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