Geographic Tongue

Condition Can Leave a Lasting Impression

Feb 26, 2009 Charlene Tebbutt

A geographic tongue is a condition that causes smooth, red, patchy spots to appear on the tongue.

The appearance of the tongue looks much like a road map, hence the name, geographic tongue. The condition is also known as Benign Migratory Glossitis, and leaves red patches on areas of the tongue that are missing papillae, or a layer of small bumps.

The patches will often move to different areas of the tongue and can change in size, colour or location in anywhere from minutes to hours.

No Health Concerns

Geographic tongue does not cause any health issues and has no connection to serious diseases such as cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is almost always harmless and causes no pain or other physical side effects.

The condition can happen at any age, to both men and women, and affects between one and three per cent of the world's population. It is possible that geographic tongue is also more common in women than men.

While it poses no serious threat, geographic tongue can lead to some discomfort and a sensitivity to cigarette smoke, spicy or acidic food and some kinds of toothpaste, the Mayo Clinic adds. Those who have geographic tongue may also become self-conscious about the appearance of their tongues.

Symptoms

Map-like, or geographic, appearance of the tongue
Smooth, bright red patches of various shapes and sizes on the top surface of the tongue
Tongue discomfort
Soreness or a burning sensation that may worsen with hot, spicy or acidic foods

Causes

The cause of geographic tongue is not known, says the Mayo Clinic. However, the condition often runs in families, so genetics could be a factor.

It is also most common in those who suffer from environmental allergies, such as asthma, psoriasis or eczema.

Some other possible causes include:

Having relatives with geographic tongue
Having a fissured tongue, a condition in which deep grooves form on the tongue's surface
Psoriasis
Excessive stress
Hormonal changes
Allergies
Systemic steroid use
Atopic dermatitis

No Treatment Required

Medical treatment is not usually necessary in cases involving geographic tongue. The condition generally improves on its own, although it may take a few months.

However, Mayo Clinic says it can last a year or more, and the symptoms may return at a later date.

Avoiding things such as alcohol, tobacco, spicy or acidic food and salty nuts can help alleviate any painful symptoms associated with geographic tongue.

When to Call a Doctor

Although the condition is almost always harmless, those who have symptoms for more than 10 days should call a doctor. Those who are in extreme pain should also see a doctor to rule out any other, more serious conditions.

The copyright of the article Geographic Tongue in General Medicine is owned by Charlene Tebbutt. Permission to republish Geographic Tongue in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Geographic Tongue