Causes and risk factors
The exact cause geographic tongue is unknown. Some patients have a family history of this condition. Psoriasis and fissured tongue have been associated with this condition.
Clinical presentation
Many people with geographic tongue are asymptomatic. The condition is characterised by red, smooth, irregular patches with white or light coloured border on the top or side of the tongue. These lesions keep changing their location frequently, migrating to other parts of the tongue. Some patients may experience discomfort, burning sensation or pain, especially after eating hot, spicy, salty or acidic foods, smoking, brushing.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis Sometimes blood tests or tongue biopsy may be performed to rule out other disease conditions.
Treatment
Geographic tongue does not require any medical treatment. In cases of severe pain, oral painkillers, anaesthetic or antihistaminic mouth washes, corticosteroid ointments prove useful.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating geographic tongue. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating geographic tongue.
