Geographical Tongue, Inflammation of Tongues That Looks Like a Collection of Islands

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Medical Video: Geographic Tongue Natural Cure

Have you ever experienced the condition of a spot that looks like a collection of islands on a map on the tongue? If so, the sign is your tongue has an inflammation of the tongue called the geographical tongue.

What is geographical tongue?

The geographical tongue is an inflammatory condition of the tongue which causes the lesion to form like an island on the map. Lesions can appear on the surface or side of the tongue. It usually looks irregular and sometimes has a white border on the edges that clarifies the shape. Sometimes the surface of the tongue looks smooth without papilla on it and still looks like it forms something.

Lesions often heal in one area, but then move to different parts 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 sexes. However, it is usually more common in women than men.

Causes of geographical tongue

Until now it is not known exactly why a person experiences inflammation of the tongue with this condition. Some researchers attribute it to other conditions such as psoriasis.

However, more research is needed to ensure that these two things are related. Some scientists detect two potential factors that can be the cause of this inflammation of the tongue. First, namely fissured tongue, or conditions where the tongue has a groove along its surface. The second is genetic factors because this condition can be reduced from one generation to the next.

Symptoms and signs of geographical tongue

This disease does not always cause symptoms. Some people aren't even aware of the changes that occur on their tongue. The symptoms that occur usually include:

  • Red lesions on the surface of the tongue that feel smooth are shaped like an irregular island.
  • The presence of a white or bright border slightly raised around the edge of the lesion.
  • Lesions consisting of various sizes and shapes.
  • Lesions can move from one area of ​​the tongue to another in a matter of days or weeks.
  • Tongue is sensitive to certain substances such as toothpaste, mouthwash, sugar, hot, spicy or very acidic foods that can cause discomfort or a burning sensation on the tongue or mouth.

These symptoms can last for one year without being detected. Some people also experience symptoms such as cracks on the surface of the tongue. This curve often feels painful and even irritates.

How do doctors diagnose geographic tongue?

Some ways are usually done to diagnose this condition, namely:

  • Check the condition of the tongue, mouth and throat with the help of light from a flashlight or special lamp.
  • Check the condition of the entire tongue by asking you to move the tongue into various positions.
  • Touch the tongue by touching 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 geographical tongue?

Usually, the geographical tongue will heal by itself without certain treatment. However, if the symptoms worsen and do not go away in a few weeks, the usual treatment is like:

  • Pain and discomfort medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
  • Medications that doctors prescribe to reduce inflammation such as corticosteroids that are applied directly to the tongue or antihistamine gargle.
  • Avoiding foods that trigger irritation becomes more severe such as foods that are too hot, spicy, and sour.
  • Take B vitamins and Zinc supplements.

Although geographical tongues may look alarming, but the condition of inflammation of the tongue does not signal certain health problems and is also not associated with certain infections or cancers. However, it is better to keep your tongue healthy by not forgetting to clean it with a special tongue cleanser to help prevent various problems with the tongue.

Geographical Tongue, Inflammation of Tongues That Looks Like a Collection of Islands
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