Geographic Tongue

The cause is unknown. For reasons as yet not understood the normal top layer of the ‘skin’ of the tongue is not shed evenly. In some parts the ‘skin’ is shed too early and so leaves a red, sore area like a scratch on the skin. Whereas in other areas the skin stays on too long and has a white appearance. The red areas, because they are thin, can sometimes become infected with Thrush (Candida) and so feel sore. Thrush is very common in mouths.

As the red patches are thin and raw, they tend to be sore when eating acidic things like citrus fruit or spicy foods especially chillies. However these do not make the condition worse and you will soon come to notice which particular foods make things worse.

It may be inherited from parents. There may be an allergic component.

It is not thought to be infectious. It is associated rarely with psoriasis. It has no long-term consequences.

Diagnosis can be made just from the appearance. However, various forms of anæmia have to be discounted first.

There is no cure. Sometimes treatments for Thrush can ease the discomfort. You can buy these at the chemist, e.g. miconazole gel.

Other treatments for Geographic Tongue include:

• Anæsthetic & antihistamine mouthwashes
• Oral pain relievers
• Topical Steroids / Corticosteroid rinses
• Topical tacrolimus
• Vitamin B & zinc supplements
• Systemic cyclosporin

You will need to work out for yourself which foods make it worse and avoid them.