Geographic tongue
Overview
Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, erythema migrans, or continental tongue, is a condition affecting the tongue. The colloquial names are due to the condition resembling a map.
Symptoms
* Map-like appearance to the surface of the tongue * Smooth, beefy red patches and lesions on the tongue * Patches that change location from day to day * Soreness and burning pain (in some cases)
Causes
Its cause is uncertain, though tends to run in families and is associated with several different genes. Geographic tongue is more commonly found in people who are affected by environmental sensitivity, such as allergies, eczema, and asthma. Some think that it may be linked to stress or diets high in sugar or processed foods.
Prevention
Avoid irritating your tongue with hot or spicy food or alcohol if you are prone to this condition.
Prognosis
Geographic tongue is a harmless condition, but it can be persistent and uncomfortable.
Treatment
While there is no known cure or commonly prescribed treatment for geographic tongue, there are several ways to suppress the condition, including avoiding foods which exacerbate the problem. Some individuals report relief from chewing mint leaves, or even sucking on a mint candy or gum, during a flare up. Some people affected by geographic tongue also report that taking Vitamin B supplements causes the condition to go away temporarily. Some groups mention using antiinflammatory steroids applied topically clears the patches. Burning may also be reduced by taking antihistamines. The condition is usually asymptomatic and insignificant; persisting pain is rare.