Geographic Tongue
What is geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue is a condition where the tongue develops smooth red patches of various shapes and sizes. The pattern resembles a map and can change from week to week. The bare spots are painless and the child does not lose the sense of taste.
The condition usually occurs in children under age 6.
What is the cause?
The cause is unknown, but it is not due to a vitamin deficiency.
How long does it last?
The tongue returns to normal appearance after a period of months to years.
What is the treatment?
The condition is harmless. No treatment is helpful or necessary.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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