Geographic tongue is a harmless (benign) oral condition that gives your tongue a map-like, or geographic, appearance. The distinct look of geographic tongue occurs when parts of your tongue are missing the layer of small bumps called papillae. This causes irregularly shaped smooth, red patches to form on parts of your tongue, like a rash.

Although geographic tongue may look alarming, it doesn't cause any health problems and isn't associated with infection or cancer. Geographic tongue is usually painless but can sometimes cause tongue discomfort and increased sensitivity to certain substances. Geographic tongue often heals in one area and then moves (migrates) to a different part of your tongue. Geographic tongue is also known as benign migratory glossitis.

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Geographic tongue

Signs and symptoms of geographic tongue include:

• Map-like, or geographic, appearance of your tongue
• Smooth, bright red patches of various shapes and sizes on the top surface of your tongue
• Tongue discomfort
• Soreness or a burning sensation that may worsen with hot, spicy or acidic foods

When you have geographic tongue, the only sign you may have is a change in your tongue's appearance. The patches of geographic tongue may be outlined by a raised white or cream-colored line or border. The affected patches on your tongue can change size, color or location within minutes or hours, which may cause you anxiety or fear but is otherwise harmless. Geographic tongue may come and go over time.

When to see a doctor
Geographic tongue is a minor — although sometimes uncomfortable — condition. If your signs and symptoms persist for more than 10 days, see your doctor or dentist to make sure you don't have a more serious medical condition.

Small bumps called papillae normally cover your tongue's upper surface. Geographic tongue results from the loss of papillae on some parts of your tongue. But why your tongue loses papillae isn't known. The condition tends to run in families, so genetics may play a role.

Factors that may be associated with or that may increase the risk of geographic tongue include:

• Having relatives with geographic tongue
• Having a fissured tongue, a condition in which deep grooves form on your tongue's surface
• Psoriasis
• Excessive stress
• Hormonal changes
• Allergies
• Systemic steroid use
• Atopic dermatitis

However, research studies about the risk factors for geographic tongue have been contradictory, and the connection between geographic tongue and other conditions is uncertain.

Geographic tongue can occur at any age. Geographic tongue affects about 1 to 3 percent of people. Some evidence suggests that it's more common in women than in men.

Complications and problems that geographic tongue may cause or be associated with include:

• Tongue discomfort
• Sensitivity to cigarette smoke, spicy foods, acidic foods and some toothpaste
• Anxiety about the appearance of your tongue

Geographic tongue is a benign condition. That is, it doesn't pose any threat to your health or cause any major health problems.

If you're concerned about the appearance of your tongue or you have tongue or oral pain, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor or dentist.

What you can do
Consider preparing a list of questions to ask your doctor or dentist. Some questions you may want to discuss include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
• What kinds of tests, if any, do I need?
• What is the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the approach you're suggesting?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?
• What Web sites do you recommend visiting?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment at any time if you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor or dentist
Your doctor or dentist may ask you questions about your symptoms. He or she may ask:

• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to worsen your symptoms?

Diagnosis of geographic tongue is generally simple. Diagnosis is based on your description of symptoms and an exam of your mouth and tongue. In some cases, your doctor or dentist may suggest having tests to check for other medical conditions.

Geographic tongue typically doesn't require any medical treatment. Although geographic tongue can sometimes cause tongue discomfort, it's otherwise a harmless condition. If you have ongoing or excessive pain, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest or prescribe medications to help reduce your discomfort, including:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Mouth rinses with a topical anesthetic
• Topical corticosteroids
• Zinc supplements

However, none of these treatments has been proved to be effective for everyone. Geographic tongue usually gets better on its own within months, which may lead you to believe an unproven treatment has worked. Geographic tongue can last a year or more, though, and it may come back after a period of remission.

You can help reduce any discomfort from geographic tongue by avoiding or limiting these substances, which can aggravate your condition:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco products
• Hot or spicy foods
• Acidic beverages and foods, such as certain fruit
• Toothpaste that contains tartar-control additives, heavy flavoring or whitening agents
• Dried, salty nuts

There is no known way to prevent geographic tongue.