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 What
is a geographic tongue?
 Geographic tongue(Erythema
Migrans) is a common condition that causes a characteristic appearance,
which experts recognise instantly. The tops of the tongue, sides and
occasionally, undersurface of the tongue develop irregular, smooth
red areas, which may look like the outline of a map. There are usually
wavy white lines next to the red patches. You may notice that after
a few weeks or months the position of these lines and red patches
change. This is why the condition is called erythema migrans in Latin,
as its position changes and moves.
Why does geographic
tongue happen?
For reasons as yet
not understood the normal top layer of the ‘skin’ of the
tongue is not shed evenly. In some parts the ‘skin’ is
shed too early and so leaves a red, sore area like a scratch on the
skin. Whereas in other areas the skin stays on too long and has a
white appearance. The red areas, because they are thin, can sometimes
become infected with thrush (candida) and so feel sore. Thrush is
very common in mouths.
Who does geographic
tongue affect?
It affects all age
groups and you may have first noticed it as a child. It is not something
that you can pass on to others but it can run in families. It is not
an infection.
What makes geographic
tongue worse?
As the red patches
are thin and raw, they tend to be painful when eating acidic things
like citrus fruit or spicy foods; especially chillies. However these
do not make the condition worse and you will soon come to notice which
particular foods make things worse.
Do I need any special
tests for geographic tongue?
No. Your doctor or
dentist can make the diagnosis just from the appearance.
How is geographic tongue
treated?
Unfortunately, there
is no treatment. Sometimes treatments for thrush can ease the discomfort.
You can buy these at the chemist, eg miconazole gel. It will never
become cancerous, but you will have to learn to live with it. You
will need to work out for yourself which foods make it worse and avoid
them.
What should I do if
geographic tongue gets worse in any way?
Ask your doctor or
dentist to refer you to the hospital. |
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