Glossit desquamative ("geographical" language): photo, causes, treatment

Glossitis desquamative ("geographical" language) is an inflammatory-dystrophic disease of the mucous membrane of the tongue proper. The latter in its normal state is covered with tiny pinkish-white bumps (papillae), in fact representing short, thin outgrowths, similar to hairs. With desquamative glossitis, parts of the tongue surface are deprived of papillae and become smooth and red. In form they resemble peculiar islands with slightly elevated borders.

These sites, which are the centers of defeat, give the body a similarity with the geographical map. Smooth "islands" often self-heal in one place and "pass" to another part of the language. Glossitis desquamative in some literary sources can also be called benign, migratory or exfoliative.

Although the similarity with the geographical map often causes concern to patients, this effect does not cause any health problems and is not associated with infectious or oncological diseases. Discomfort, he brings extremely rare, but in some cases there is an increase in the sensitivity of the language to certain substances.

Symptoms

Signs of a pathological condition can manifest as follows:

• Presence of smooth red patches (foci) of irregular shape on the surface or lateral side of the tongue;
• Frequent changes in the location, size and shape of the lesion;
• Discomfort, pain or burning sensation, developing only in some cases and following the ingestion of hot, spicy, salty or sour food.

In many patients with a diagnosis of desquamative glossitis, symptoms are completely absent.

This condition can last for several months and even several years. The ailment often passes by itself, although it can later recur.

When to see a doctor

Exfoliative glossitis is considered to be a frivolous - albeit periodically discomforting - condition. Nevertheless, the presence of such lesions on the surface of the tongue may indicate a dangerous disease of the organ or the whole organism as a whole. If you notice a lesion (the lesions described above) and they do not go away after 7-10 days after the appearance, contact a therapist or dentist.

Causes

The reason for the development of the "geographical" language remains unknown to medical science, and at the moment there is no method to prevent the appearance of this ailment. Scientists suggest that desquamative glossitis, the causes of which should be identified with the help of narrowly focused studies, may be associated with psoriasis - a chronic skin disease, but the relationship of these ailments is only to be determined.

Risk factors

Although the scientists carried out a lot of research aimed at identifying the risk factors for the disease with exfoliative glossitis, the results of the scientific work proved to be ambiguous. Therefore, the circumstances that increase the likelihood of the development of ailment can be called only with a great deal of conventionality. It:

• Family history. Since some patients have found a family history of the disease with migrating glossitis, the researchers suggest that inherited genetic characteristics can lay the predisposition of individuals to this condition.
• Folded tongue. "Geographic" effect often occurs in people with a so-called folded language - a pathology, which is characterized by the appearance of deep folds or depressions on the surface of the organ.

Complications

Glossitis desquamative is benign. It does not pose a threat to health, does not entail serious complications and does not increase the risk of serious diseases. However, it often becomes a cause of anxiety, psychological discomfort and other emotional disturbances, because:

• Many patients are ashamed of the appearance of their language, especially in cases where the "bald spots" are clearly visible;
• Despite the assurances of doctors, most people continue to treat this condition with suspicion.

Before a visit to a doctor

If you are seriously concerned about what your oral cavity looks like , or if you have discovered a "geographical" language in your child, contact your dentist. In many clinics, doctors specialize in the treatment of dental and oral diseases in children.

If the need to consult a doctor is dictated by your personal psychological discomfort, prepare a list of questions to the dentist in advance. This list will help you navigate the topic directly to the medical consultation - and not lose sight of the really important information.

Usually dentists are asked the following questions:

• What was the reason for my illness? What preconditions have led to its development?
• Is this condition curable? Will the glossitis desquamate by itself?
• What methods of treatment are applicable in my case?
• What can I do on my own at home to alleviate discomfort and pain during the adoption of certain types of food?
• What if the pathology recurs? Do I need to contact you again?

What the doctor will say

Prepare the answers to the most probable questions of the dentist in advance:

• When did the first visible damage appear on the surface of your tongue?
• Did they change their form or location?
• Have you ever had any other damage of this kind in the oral cavity?
• Does glossitis cause desquamative pain or just unpleasant sensations?
• Is the pain worse when eating sharp or acidic foods?
• Do you suffer from other diseases, even if not externally connected with the "geographical" effect?
• Have you had a fever?

Diagnostics

The "geographic" language (photo) is easy enough to diagnose. A qualified dentist usually needs to examine the organ and check with the patient what signs and symptoms have been observed recently.

During the examination, the dentist:

• Explores your tongue and mouth with a special tool with backlight;
• Ask you to move your tongue in different directions;
• Probe the tongue for sensitivity or unusual changes in its texture or consistency;
• Will check whether there are signs of an infectious disease characterized by an increase in lymph nodes in the neck and an increase in body temperature.

Treatment

"Geographic" language in a child or adult usually does not require treatment. Although this condition can cause unpleasant sensations, in all other senses it does not pose a threat and does not cause harm.

To reduce discomfort or hypersensitivity, the doctor can recommend the following types of medications:

• Painkillers without OTC;
• Mouthwashes containing anesthetics;
• Mouthwashes with antihistamine properties;
• Corticosteroid ointments or liquids.

Since scientists have not studied enough such a phenomenon as desquamative glossitis, the treatment of its symptoms may be useless. In addition, one must take into account that pathology usually passes by itself and it is impossible to predict how the disease will proceed.

At home

To reduce the discomfort associated with the "geographical" effect, you can and yourself. For this, the use of substances potentially irritating sensitive tissues of the oral cavity should be avoided or restricted. These include:

• Hot, sharp, acidic or salty foods;
• Products of the tobacco industry;
• Toothpaste containing strong flavors, bleaching agents or anti-calculus additives.

Products with sugary taste and sweets with a high content of flavors and flavor enhancers also can cause discomfort.

If you have a "geographical" language (photo), experts recommend the following recommendations for the consumption of liquids:

• Drink more clean water throughout the day;
• You can suck small ice cubes;
• Drink chilled herbal teas (for example, chamomile) or green tea;
• Try to combat discomfort with smoothies, fruit or vegetable juices.

Folk remedies

If you are rather tired of desquamative glossitis, the history of the disease has several years of relapse, and instead of enjoying the taste of food you must suffer from seemingly incurable discomfort, try the famous folk remedy - oil baths. For this:

• Place a tablespoon of organic coconut oil in the cold pressed into your mouth;
• Keep the substance in your mouth, periodically making a rinsing motion, about ten minutes;
• Spit out the oil and rinse the mouth with warm water;
• Brush your teeth as usual;
• Repeat this procedure every morning before eating.

Remember that oil can not be swallowed. With proper application, it will help to cleanse the body of toxins and heal red "bald spots" in the tongue.

If you have diagnosed glossitis desquamative, you can treat this condition with the help of the legendary and universally available plant - aloe vera. To treat lesions, it is enough to squeeze out a little gel-like juice from an aloe leaf and apply a surface to the tongue. The juice is left in the mouth for ten minutes, after which the mouth is rinsed with water at room temperature. This procedure is repeated every day several times.