$Unique_ID{PAR00082}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Geographic Tongue}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Geographic Tongue Smooth red patches vitamin deficiency toothpaste
papillae tastebud tastebuds upper respiratory tract infection
infections}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Geographic Tongue


     Quick Reference

     SYMPTOM
     - Smooth, bright red patches on the tongue that change size, shape, and
       location

     HOME CARE
     - No treatment is necessary.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - Geographic tongue does not indicate a vitamin deficiency, a reaction to
       toothpaste, or any other problem.
     - Do not try any home treatment.  Geographic tongue is harmless.
     - Reassure your child that there is no need to be concerned about a
       geographic tongue.


     Geographic tongue is a common, harmless patterning of the tongue.  It is
seen in 5 to 10 percent of all infants and children.  The cause is unknown.
There are no other symptoms and no discomfort of any sort.
     The surface of the tongue is made up of closely packed papillae (taste
buds).  The smooth, red areas of changing shape on a geographic tongue appear
because papillae have shrunk or temporarily disappeared.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     Geographic tongue is easily identified by the typical appearance of the
tongue.  No other condition resembles geographic tongue.
     One or more smooth, bright red patches appear on the surface of the
tongue.  In the course of several days, these patches change size, shape, and
location.  The general appearance is that of a slowly changing map (hence, the
name).  The condition lasts for months to years, and may recur during upper
respiratory tract infections.
     Although the condition involves changes in the taste buds, there are no
noticeable changes in the sense of taste, and there is no pain.

HOME CARE

     No treatment is necessary.

PRECAUTIONS

  -  Geographic tongue does not indicate a vitamin deficiency, a reaction to
     toothpaste, or any other problem.
  -  Do not try any home treatment.
  -  Reassure your child that there is no need to be concerned about a
     geographic tongue.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     Your doctor will identify the condition and reassure you and your child
that geographic tongue is not a cause for concern.  No other treatment is
necessary.