Table of contents:
- What is geographic tongue?
- Causes of geographic tongue
- Geographical tongue symptoms and signs
- How do doctors diagnose geographic tongue?
- How to treat geographic tongue?
Have you ever had a spot that looks like a cluster of islands on the map on the tongue? If so, this is a sign that your tongue has inflammation of the tongue which is called geographic tongue.
What is geographic tongue?
Geographical tongue is an inflammatory condition of the tongue that causes the lesions to be shaped like islands on the map. Lesions can appear on the surface or sides of the tongue. It usually looks irregular and sometimes has white borders around the edges that define the shape. Sometimes the surface of the tongue looks smooth without papillae on it and still looks like it is forming something.
The lesions often heal in one area, but then move to a different part of the tongue. In some cases, this condition can appear in other areas of the mouth. This condition can also appear in all age ranges and genders. However, it is usually more common in women than men.
Causes of geographic tongue
Until now, it is not certain why someone experiences inflammation of the tongue with this condition. Some researchers attribute it to other conditions such as psoriasis.
However, more research is needed to make sure these two things are related. Several scientists detected two potential factors that could be the cause of this inflammation of the tongue. First, namely fissured tongue, or a condition in which the tongue has grooves along its surface. Second, namely genetic factors because this condition can be passed from one generation to the next.
Geographical tongue symptoms and signs
This disease does not always cause symptoms. Some people don't even always notice the changes in their tongue. The symptoms that occur usually include:
- Red lesions on the surface of the tongue that feel smooth and are shaped like irregular islands.
- There is a white or light border that is slightly raised around the edge of the lesion.
- Lesions of various sizes and shapes.
- Lesions can move from one area of the tongue to another within days or weeks.
- A tongue that is sensitive to certain substances such as toothpaste, mouthwash, sugar, hot, spicy, or very acidic foods which can cause discomfort or a burning sensation in the tongue or mouth.
These symptoms can last for a year without being detected. Some people also experience symptoms such as cracks on the surface of the tongue. These indentations are often painful and even irritating.
How do doctors diagnose geographic tongue?
Some of the ways that are usually done to diagnose this condition, namely:
- Check the condition of the tongue, mouth and throat with the help of a flashlight or a special lamp.
- It checks the overall condition of the tongue by asking you to move the tongue into various positions.
- Touch the tongue by feeling it to check the texture or consistency of the tongue.
- Check for signs of infection such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
How to treat geographic tongue?
Usually, geographic tongue will heal on its own without treatment. However, if the symptoms worsen and do not go away within a few weeks, then the usual treatment is:
- Pain and discomfort relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
- Drugs that doctors prescribe to reduce inflammation such as corticosteroids applied directly to the tongue or antihistamines gargle.
- Avoid foods that make irritation worse, such as foods that are too hot, spicy, and sour.
- Take B vitamins and zinc supplements.
Although geographic tongue may seem alarming, it is not a sign of any specific health problems nor is it related to any specific infections or cancers. However, it's good to keep the tongue healthy by not forgetting to clean it with a special tongue cleanser to help prevent various problems on the tongue.
