Desquamative glossitis (“geographic” language) is an inflammatory-dystrophic disease of the mucous membrane of the tongue itself. The latter in the normal state is covered with tiny pinkish-white bumps (papillae), which in fact are short thin outgrowths that look like hairs. With desquamative glossitis, certain parts of the surface of the tongue lose their papillae and become smooth and red. In shape, they resemble peculiar islands with slightly elevated borders.
These areas, which are the lesion foci, give the body similarity with a geographical map. Smooth “islands” often heal independently in one place and “pass” to another part of the language. Desquamative glossitis in some literary sources may also be called benign, migratory, or exfoliative.
Although the similarity with the geographical map often inspires concern for patients, this effect does not cause any health problems and is not associated with infectious or oncological diseases. It brings discomfort extremely rarely, but in some cases there is an increase in the sensitivity of the tongue to individual substances.
Symptoms
Signs of a pathological condition can occur as follows:
- the presence of smooth red patches (foci) of irregular shape on the surface or side of the tongue;
- frequent changes in the localization, size and shape of the lesions;
- unpleasant sensations, pain or burning sensation that develops only in some cases and following eating hot, spicy, salty or sour foods.
Many patients diagnosed with desquamative glossitis are completely absent.
This condition can last for several months and even several years. The disease most often goes away by itself, although it can subsequently recur.
When to see a doctor
Exfoliative glossitis is considered not serious - albeit periodically causing discomfort - a condition. Nevertheless, the presence of such lesions on the surface of the tongue may indicate dangerous diseases of the organ or the whole organism. If you notice a lesion (the lesions described above) and they do not go away after 7-10 days after the appearance, consult a physician or dentist.
Causes
The reason for the development of the "geographical" language remains unknown to medical science, and at the moment there is no method to prevent the occurrence of this ailment. Scientists suggest that desquamative glossitis, the causes of which must be identified with the help of narrowly targeted studies, may be associated with psoriasis - a chronic skin disease, however, the relationship of these ailments is still to be established.
Risk factors
Although scientists have conducted many studies aimed at identifying risk factors for exfoliative glossitis, the results of scientific work have been mixed. Therefore, circumstances that increase the likelihood of developing an ailment can only be called with a great deal of conventionality. It:
- Family history. Since some patients have found a family history of migratory glossitis, researchers suggest that inherited genetic characteristics may lay the predisposition of individuals to this condition.
- Folded tongue. The "geographical" effect often occurs in people with the so-called folded tongue - a pathology that is characterized by the appearance of deep folds or depressions on the surface of an organ.
Complications
Desquamative glossitis is benign. It does not pose a threat to health, does not entail serious complications and does not increase the risk of developing serious diseases. However, it often becomes a cause of anxiety, psychological discomfort and other emotional disorders, as:
- many patients are ashamed of the appearance of their tongue, especially in cases where "bald spots" are clearly visible;
- Despite assurances from doctors, most people continue to be suspicious of this condition.
Before a visit to the doctor
If you are seriously worried about what your oral cavity looks like , or if you find a “geographical” language in a child, consult your dentist. Many clinics have doctors specializing in the treatment of dental and oral diseases in children.
If the need to see a doctor is dictated by your personal psychological discomfort, prepare a list of questions to the dentist in advance. This list will help you navigate the topic directly to a medical consultation - and not to lose sight of the really important information.
Typically, dentists are asked the following questions:
- What caused my ailment? What prerequisites led to its development?
- Is this condition treatable? Will desquamative glossitis pass on its own?
- What treatment methods are applicable in my case?
- What can be done independently, at home, to alleviate discomfort and pain during eating certain types of food?
- What to do if the pathology recurs? Do I need to contact you again?
What the doctor will say
Prepare answers in advance to the most likely dentist questions:
- When did visible lesions first appear on the surface of your tongue?
- Did the lesions change their shape or localization?
- Have you ever had other injuries of this kind in your oral cavity?
- Does desquamative glossitis cause pain or just unpleasant sensations?
- Does the pain get worse when eating sharp or acidic foods?
- Do you suffer from other diseases, even if not outwardly related to the "geographical" effect?
- Have you experienced an increase in body temperature?
Diagnostics
"Geographic" language (photo) is easy to diagnose. It is usually enough for a qualified dentist to examine the organ and check with the patient what signs and symptoms have been observed recently.
During the examination, the dentist:
- examines your tongue and mouth with a special tool with backlight;
- asks to move the tongue in different directions;
- palpates the language for sensitivity or unusual changes in its texture or consistency;
- will check if there are signs of an infectious disease, which is characterized by an increase in lymph nodes in the neck and an increase in body temperature.
Treatment
A “geographic” language in a child or adult usually does not require treatment. Although this condition can cause unpleasant sensations, in all other senses it does not pose a threat and does no harm.
To reduce discomfort or hypersensitivity, a doctor may recommend the following types of medications:
- over-the-counter painkillers;
- mouthwashes containing anesthetics;
- mouthwashes with antihistamines;
- corticosteroid ointments or fluids.
Since scientists have not yet sufficiently studied the phenomenon of desquamative glossitis, treatment of its symptoms may be useless. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the pathology usually goes away on its own and it is impossible to predict how the disease will proceed.
At home
You can reduce the discomfort associated with the "geographical" effect on your own. To do this, avoid or limit the use of substances that are potentially irritating to sensitive tissues of the oral cavity. These include:
- hot, spicy, sour or salty foods;
- tobacco products;
- Toothpaste containing strong flavors, whitening substances or additives to prevent the appearance of tartar.
Products with sugary taste and sweets with a high content of flavors and flavor enhancers can also cause discomfort.
If you have a “geographical” language (photo), experts will recommend that you follow the following recommendations for consuming fluids:
- drink more clean water throughout the day;
- you can suck on small ice cubes;
- drink chilled herbal teas (such as chamomile) or green tea;
- try combating discomfort with smoothies, fruit or vegetable juices.
Folk remedies
If you are tired of desquamative glossitis, the medical history has several years of relapse, and instead of enjoying the taste of food you have to suffer from seemingly incurable discomfort, try the famous folk remedy - oil baths. For this:
- put a tablespoon of cold pressed organic coconut oil in your mouth;
- keep the substance in your mouth, periodically making rinsing movements, about ten minutes;
- spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water;
- brush your teeth as usual;
- repeat this procedure every morning before eating.
Remember that oil must not be swallowed. When used correctly, it will help cleanse the body of toxins and heal red "bald spots" in the tongue.
If you have been diagnosed with desquamative glossitis, you can treat this condition with the help of the legendary and universally available plant - aloe vera. To process the lesions, it is enough to squeeze a little gel-like juice from an aloe leaf and grease the surface of the tongue with it. The juice is left in the mouth for ten minutes, after which the mouth is rinsed with water at room temperature. This procedure is repeated every day several times.