22/09/2025
Benign Migratory Glossitis commonly known as Geographic Tongue. It is non infectious condition of mucous membrane of the tongue usually at dorsal surface characterized by smooth, red loss of lingual pappilae which migrated over time.
What Causes it?
The causes is largely unknown but my results from Stress, Anxiety, Depression or Avitaminosis (vitamin deficiency) e.g Vitamin B, or other nutrients like Zinc, Iron.
In the past, some research suggested that geographic tongue was associated with diabetes, seborrheic dermatitis and atopy, however newer research does not corroborate these findings. Others suggest allergy as a major factor, e.g. to nickel sulphate. Some studies have reported a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis, although 90% of children who are diagnosed with geographic tongue do not develop psoriasis. Again however, modern research studies do not support any link between psoriasis and geographic tongue. Lesions that are histologically indistinguishable from geographic tongue may also be diagnosed in reactive arthritis (arthritis, uveitis, conjunctivitis and urethritis).
Symptoms
Burning Sensation (rare)
In health, the dorsal surface of the tongue is covered in tuft-like projections called lingual papillae (some of which are associated with taste buds), which give the tongue an irregular surface texture and a white-pink color. Geographic tongue is characterized by areas of atrophy and depapillation (loss of papillae), leaving an erythematous (darker red) and smoother surface than the unaffected areas. The depapillated areas are usually well-demarcated, and bordered by a slightly raised, white, yellow or grey, serpiginous (snaking) peripheral zone. A lesion of geographic tongue may start as a white patch before the depapillation occurs. In certain cases there may be only one lesion, but this is uncommon; the lesions will typically occur in multiple locations on the tongue and coalesce over time to form the typical map-like appearance.
There is no specific treatment but patient can use pain reliever, if there is pain, Antihistamine and corticosteroids.
Avoid spicy or acidic food, hot food, and focus on vegetables, milk and foods rich with Vitamins, Iron and Zinc. Mouth wash with salt and warm water
