Geographic tongue
Encyclopedia
Geographic tongue, an inflammatory condition of the tongue
affecting approximately 2% of the population, is characterized by discolored regions of taste bud
s or sometimes even cracks in the tongue (which do not go all the way through). The condition is usually chronic, and frequently manifests after eating any of a range of exacerbating foods, or during times of stress, illness, or hormonal surges (particularly in women just before menstruating). It is also known as benign migratory glossitis, oral
erythema migrans
, glossitis areata exfoliativa, glossitis areata migrans, lingua geographica, stomatitis areata migrans, and transitory benign plaques of the tongue.
. Geographic tongue may also cause numbness. Coexistence of fissures of the tongue
is often noticed. Chemicals, such as mouth washes and teeth whiteners, can also aggravate the condition.
Lesions may occasionally occur on sites other than the tongue in the condition areata migrans.
or ectopic geographic tongue.
Irregular areas of dekeratinized
and desquamated filiform papillae (red in color) are surrounded by elevated whitish or yellow margins due to acantholysis and hyperkeratosis. Neutrophils migrate into the epithelial layer, creating what are termed Munro's abscesses.
, though studies show family association may also be caused by similar diets. Geographic tongue is more commonly found in people who are affected by environmental sensitivity, such as allergies, eczema
, and asthma
. Some think that it may be linked to stress or diets high in sugar or processed foods. Its prevalence also varies by nationality (0.6% of Americans, 4% of young Iraqis, 2% of young Finns) and gender (females are affected three times more than males). Causes vary, but may include zinc or vitamin B deficiencies, allergies, and hormonal changes. Geographic tongue is said to occur more often in women, especially during high hormonal times, such as during ovulation or pregnancy
, and while taking birth control (generally around the 17th day).
Studies show there is a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis
.
Tongue
The tongue is a muscular hydrostat on the floors of the mouths of most vertebrates which manipulates food for mastication. It is the primary organ of taste , as much of the upper surface of the tongue is covered in papillae and taste buds. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva, and is richly...
affecting approximately 2% of the population, is characterized by discolored regions of taste bud
Taste bud
Taste buds contain the receptors for taste. They are located around the small structures on the upper surface of the tongue, soft palate, upper esophagus and epiglottis, which are called papillae. These structures are involved in detecting the five elements of taste perception: salty, sour,...
s or sometimes even cracks in the tongue (which do not go all the way through). The condition is usually chronic, and frequently manifests after eating any of a range of exacerbating foods, or during times of stress, illness, or hormonal surges (particularly in women just before menstruating). It is also known as benign migratory glossitis, oral
Oral
The word oral may refer to:As an adjective:* the mouth, the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food and saliva* speech communication as opposed to writing* oral administration of medicines...
erythema migrans
Erythema migrans
Erythema chronicum migrans refers to the rash often seen in the early stage of Lyme disease. It can appear anywhere from one day to one month after a tick bite. This rash does not represent an allergic reaction to the bite, but rather an actual skin infection with the Lyme bacteria, Borrelia...
, glossitis areata exfoliativa, glossitis areata migrans, lingua geographica, stomatitis areata migrans, and transitory benign plaques of the tongue.
Symptoms
The top side of the tongue is covered in small protrusions called papillae. In a tongue affected by geographic tongue, red patches on the surface of the tongue are bordered by grayish white. The papillae are missing from the reddish areas and overcrowded in the grayish white borders. Whitish/yellow discoloration of the tongue is frequently due to a yeast infection. The small patches may disappear and reappear in a short period of time (hours or days), and change in shape or size. While it is not common for the condition to cause pain, it may cause a burning or stinging sensation, especially after contact with certain foods. Foods that sometimes cause irritation, burning or slight swelling of the tongue include tomato, eggplant, walnuts, sharp cheeses, spicy foods, sour foods, mint, candy and citrusCitrus
Citrus is a common term and genus of flowering plants in the rue family, Rutaceae. Citrus is believed to have originated in the part of Southeast Asia bordered by Northeastern India, Myanmar and the Yunnan province of China...
. Geographic tongue may also cause numbness. Coexistence of fissures of the tongue
Fissured tongue
Fissured tongue is a benign condition characterized by deep grooves in the dorsum of the tongue...
is often noticed. Chemicals, such as mouth washes and teeth whiteners, can also aggravate the condition.
Lesions may occasionally occur on sites other than the tongue in the condition areata migrans.
Ectopic geographic tongue
Aside from occurring on the dorsal and lateral tongue, lesions infrequently involve the ventral tongue and buccal or labial mucosa. They are rarely reported on the soft palate and floor of the mouth. This condition is called migratory stomatitisMigratory stomatitis
Migratory stomatitis is a benign condition on the oral soft tissue. This condition has two forms: the common form, which is consisted from red lesions with white borders on the tongue only. This form is called geographic tongue...
or ectopic geographic tongue.
Histopathology
Keratin
Keratin refers to a family of fibrous structural proteins. Keratin is the key of structural material making up the outer layer of human skin. It is also the key structural component of hair and nails...
and desquamated filiform papillae (red in color) are surrounded by elevated whitish or yellow margins due to acantholysis and hyperkeratosis. Neutrophils migrate into the epithelial layer, creating what are termed Munro's abscesses.
Cause
Its cause is uncertain, though it tends to run in families and is associated with several different genesGênes
Gênes is the name of a département of the First French Empire in present Italy, named after the city of Genoa. It was formed in 1805, when Napoleon Bonaparte occupied the Republic of Genoa. Its capital was Genoa, and it was divided in the arrondissements of Genoa, Bobbio, Novi Ligure, Tortona and...
, though studies show family association may also be caused by similar diets. Geographic tongue is more commonly found in people who are affected by environmental sensitivity, such as allergies, eczema
Eczema
Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the epidermis . In England, an estimated 5.7 million or about one in every nine people have been diagnosed with the disease by a clinician at some point in their lives.The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions...
, and asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
. Some think that it may be linked to stress or diets high in sugar or processed foods. Its prevalence also varies by nationality (0.6% of Americans, 4% of young Iraqis, 2% of young Finns) and gender (females are affected three times more than males). Causes vary, but may include zinc or vitamin B deficiencies, allergies, and hormonal changes. Geographic tongue is said to occur more often in women, especially during high hormonal times, such as during ovulation or pregnancy
Pregnancy
Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
, and while taking birth control (generally around the 17th day).
Studies show there is a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells as a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. However, psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of...
.