 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Geographic tongue
Definition:
Geographic tongue describes a map-like appearance of your tongue. This results from irregular, denuded patches on its surface. Alternative Names:
Patches on the tongue; Tongue - patchy; Benign migratory glossitis
Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although allergies may be involved. Other causes may include irritation from hot or spicy foods, alcohol, or tobacco. The pattern on the surface of your tongue may change very rapidly. The pattern results from the loss of papillae (tiny finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue). This gives areas of the tongue flat spots, and thus a geographic appearance. These areas of papillae loss are said to be "denuded." Denuded areas may persist for more than a month.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| 
.gif)
