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What Is Geographic Tongue?

Geographic tongue is a benign condition that affects the tongue. While it is unusual to look at, it is generally completely harmless, although it can be a bit disturbing the first time you see it. While it can cause some cosmetic issues, geographic tongue poses no serious health problems.

  1. Significance

    • Geographic tongue occurs when some of the papilla, the small bumps on the top of your tongue, fall off. Doctors do not know why this happens. Some scientists think that geographic tongue may be genetic, but there is no conclusive evidence one way or the other.

    Features

    • Geographic tongue is characterized by smooth, irregularly shaped patches on the tongue. These patches make the tongue look similar to a map, which led to the condition's name. The tongue appears to have a rash, but in fact the red areas are just parts of the tongue that no longer have bumps on them. These patches may change size, shape and location over the course of just a few hours.

    Effects

    • While geographic tongue has no health-related ramifications, it does have some side effects. The most serious is anxiety about the tongue's appearance. People with geographic tongue may also be sensitive to spicy foods and feel occasional burning on their tongue.

    Identification

    • You can identify geographic tongue by the smooth, red patches on the tongue. Sometimes these patches will be outlined by a raised, creamy or white border. The condition tends to come and go over time, and it changes shape and location on the tongue, so quick changes should not alarm you.

    Prevention/Solution

    • There is no cure for geographic tongue. Fortunately, there are also no serious side effects associated with the condition. However, if your tongue causes you extreme discomfort, your doctor may be able to prescribe you pain relievers, anti-inflammatories or even medicated mouthwashes to help control the condition.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Knowing the potential causes of an outbreak may enable you to avoid this condition in its active form. Stress, hormonal changes, systemic steroid use and unchecked or untreated psoriasis all appear to be related to outbreaks of geographic tongue in people who have the condition.

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