Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Geographic Tongue

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue.

Insight:

• The tongue is normally covered with tiny, pinkish-white bumps (papillae), which are short, fine, hairlike projections.
• With geographic tongue, patches on the surface of the tongue are missing papillae and appear as smooth, red "islands," often with slightly raised borders.
• These patches (lesions) give the tongue a map-like, or geographic, appearance.
• The lesions often heal in one area and then migrate to a different part of the tongue.
• Geographic tongue is also known as benign migratory glossitis.
• Symptoms include smooth, red, and irregular shaped patches; frequent changes in the location, size, and shape discomfort and pain.
• Risk factors may include family history and fissured tongue.
• Treatment includes OTC pay relievers, mouth rinses with anesthetics, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and vitamin B supplements.

Reference:

Geographic tongue - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

geographic tongue - Google Search