Geographic tongue - Treatment

Alternative Names

Patches on the tongue; Tongue - patchy; Benign migratory glossitis; Glossitis - benign migratory

Treatment:

No treatment is needed, but antihistamine gel or steroid mouth rinses may help with discomfort.

Expectations (prognosis):

Geographic tongue is a harmless condition, but it can be persistent and uncomfortable.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor if the symptoms last longer than 10 days. Seek immediate medical help if:

Breathing trouble occurs
The tongue is severely swollen
There are problems with speaking, chewing, or swallowing

Tongue

Reviewed last on: 2/28/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Reamy BV, Derby R, Bunt CW. Common tongue conditions in primary care. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81(5):627-634.

Mirowski GW, Mark LA. Oral disease and oral-cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 22.

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