A Disease Known As Geographical Tongue

Geographical tongue in the medical field is a condition affecting the tongue where top side of it is covered in small protrusions called papillae. There are red patches on the surface bordered by grayish white. The diseases cause the papillae to disappear and replace them with white grayish patches which can disappear and reappear in hours or days or change in shape or size. This condition does not necessary cause pain like other but, a burning sensation may occur after taking certain foods that come into contact with the tongue.

Geographical tongue can really irritate after eating foods like citrus fruits, spicy foods, sour foods, tomato, candy, walnuts and others. The condition affects around three percent but is painful when the taste buds legions get discolored. When one uses chemicals like teeth whiners and mouth washes the condition can really get worse as they irritate the surface of the tongue. The condition can also end up causing numbness. This disease has other names like, Benign migratory glossitis, Glossitis areata migrans, Stomatitis areata migrans, Lingua geographica, Benign migratory stomatitis and Transitory Benign plaques of the Tongue.

Geographical tongue cause is still uncertain but its believed to run through families and commonly associated with different genes. However, most people suffering from allergies, eczema, asthma and stress or food high in sugar or processed foods are very prone to it. Its said to occur more in women than men and more so during high hormonal time like during pregnancy, ovulation and while undertaking birth control. Though there are no known cures of it ways to avoid it include not taking food that aggravates the problem. Try chewing some mint candy or zinc supplements recommended by health professionals.

By: arthurmwa

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Arthur is a researcher and writer on health and fitness.For more of his work, please visit his site at www.getinfoathome.com/?p=55