Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Patches on the tongue; Tongue - patchy; Benign migratory glossitisDefinition Return to top
Geographic tongue describes a map-like appearance of your tongue. This results from irregular, denuded patches on its surface.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although allergies may be involved. Other causes may include irritation from hot or spicy foods, alcohol, or tobacco.
The pattern on the surface of your tongue may change very rapidly. The pattern results from the loss of papillae (tiny finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue). This gives areas of the tongue flat spots, and thus a geographic appearance. These areas of papillae loss are said to be "denuded." Denuded areas may persist for more than a month.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Your doctor will usually diagnose this condition based on an examination of your tongue. Tests are usually not necessary.Treatment Return to top
There is no treatment.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Geographic tongue is a harmless condition, but it can be persistent and uncomfortable.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your doctor if the symptoms last longer than 10 days.
Call the local emergency number (such as 911) if:
Prevention Return to top
Avoid irritating your tongue with hot or spicy food, alcohol, or tobacco if you are prone to this condition. Update Date: 7/30/2003 Updated by: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |