Geographic tongue in kids

ONE moment your child’s tongue looks a healthy pinkish-white, and the next it could look like a design in an atlas — sporting map-like patches on the surface and sides as well as other sections of the mouth.

And while this condition can cause much concern for parents, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour, Dr Anona Griffith, said that it is nothing for parents to lose sleep over.

“Geographic tongue is a benign or uncomplicated inflammatory condition involving the tongue and less frequently other mucous membranes of the mouth. It is seen in few members of the population and in some cases is thought to occur in families,” Dr Griffith said.

Dr Griffith pointed out that there is no clear scientific data which points to the cause of geographic tongue; however, people with conditions such as psoriasis — a condition in which is caused by an overactive immune system and generally causes flaking, inflammation and thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin — seem more susceptible. Other triggers, she noted, include stress and diabetes, though there is no concrete scientific data tying them to the condition.

The condition, Dr Griffith explained, results in the map-like projection on the tongue which is characterised by missing papillae which appear as smooth, red spots surrounded by elevated papillae. She noted that while the condition is usually painless, children may experience slight discomfort especially when they consume foods that are acidic or spicy, because the areas where the lesions are present become very sensitive and sore. Dr Griffith was quick to point out, however, that this will not worsen the condition though some discomfort may result.

Dr Griffith said the condition, which sometimes migrates to different areas across the tongue and in the mouth with the old lesions having been healed, sometimes presents with numbness and can present itself in children of all ages.

“The condition can sometimes persist for months and could recur over time. It is self-limiting and resolves spontaneously without treatment. It is important, however, that lesions of the tongue are properly assessed by a healthcare professional so that other serious underlying medical conditions are not mistaken for geographic tongue.”

— Penda Honeyghan