“What is wrong with my tongue?”
I have a white coating on my tongue, especially towards the back. There are cracks going along the sides of my tongue with a lot of redness that is sore, and also little spots that look like my tongue is literally getting eaten away. I have a large patch and areas where my taste buds look like they're disappearing.
Female | 24 years old
Complaint duration: 1 month
4 Answers
Ear,NoseandThroatDoctor(ENT)Ear,NoseandThroat(ENT)
Overall, the condition would be considered to be glossitis which is inflammation of the tongue. People can also have a condition called geographic tongue which has a similar appearance. This may be associated with dietary, hormonal, and lifestyle changes. Additionally, certain medications and oral care products may result in this situation. This can often occur around the time of an illness such as a viral upper respiratory tract infection. It is typically self-limited. During these times, I recommend a soft bland diet, warm salt water gargles, and avoiding any oral care product with sodium lauryl sulfate.
Hello,
Likely geographic tongue. However, recommend to not use this forum to provide telehealth. Recommend see an ENT Specialist or an Oral Surgeon for more accurate diagnosis.
Thank you.
Dr D
Likely geographic tongue. However, recommend to not use this forum to provide telehealth. Recommend see an ENT Specialist or an Oral Surgeon for more accurate diagnosis.
Thank you.
Dr D
There are numerous possibilities ranging from vitamin deficiency to fungal infection to many other problems. I recommend that you be evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S
Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S
Looks like geographical tongue. Benign inflammatory process usually caused by acidic, spicy, salty foods, and flavored toothpastes. Can have deficiencies in zinc, iron, folic acid, B6, and B12. Advise bland diet, dilute baking soda oral rinses. If have acid reflux, take OTC Prilosec. No smoking or alcohol. Should be better in 10 to 21 days.
