Geographic tongue results from the loss of tiny hairlike structures on your tongue's surface. These structures are called papillae. The loss of these papillae appears as smooth, red patches of different shapes and sizes. Geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue.
The tongue usually is covered with tiny, pinkish-white bumps called papillae. These papillae are actually fine, hairlike structures. With geographic tongue, patches on the surface of the tongue are missing papillae. These patches are smooth and red, often with slightly raised borders. This condition is called geographic tongue because the patches make your tongue look like a map. The patches often appear in one area and then move to a different part of the tongue.
Although geographic tongue may look alarming, it does not cause health issues. It's not related to infection or cancer. Geographic tongue sometimes can cause tongue pain and make you more sensitive to certain foods, such as spices, salt and even sweets.
Geographic tongue can continue for days, months or years. The problem often goes away on its own, but it may appear again later. Because most people with geographic tongue don't show symptoms, they won't need treatment. If you have symptoms, they may be related to a fungal infection, so see your doctor or dentist. In some cases, medicine may be prescribed to help ease symptoms. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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