WANDERING RASH TONGUE

WANDERING RASH TONGUE

Overview & Facts

Wandering rash tongue, also known as the geographic tongue, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tongue. The normal tongue usually has small, pink to white bumps in the tongue, which are actually small, hair-like projections of the tongue papillae. The geographic tongue has areas of the tongue without papillae. These red and bald patches are often elevated and are found on the external surface of the tongue.

Types & Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of the geographic tongue may include:

  • Smooth, red, abnormally formed patches or wounds on the top or side of your tongue
  • Frequent changes in the area, size, and condition of patches
  • Discomfort, pain or impaired tongue sensations, usually related to eating hot or acidic food

Most individuals with geographic tongue have no signs and symptoms.

Geographic tongue can continue for weeks, months or even years. The condition may disappear, yet may show up again after some time.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor or dentist can make a diagnosis of the geographic tongue after an examination of your tongue and by observing your signs and symptoms.

During the examination, your doctor or dentist may:

  • Use a lighted instrument to check your tongue and mouth
  • Ask you to move your tongue around in various positions
  • Gently touch your tongue to check for sensitivity or changes in the tongue’s surface or consistency
  • Check for signs of infection like fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck

TREATMENT

The geographic tongue doesn’t require any medical treatment. However, the geographic tongue can cause tongue discomfort, though it is a harmless condition.

To deal with this, your doctor or dentist may recommend medications, like:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Mouthsolutions
  • Corticosteroid medicines
  • Vitamin B supplementation

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