Do not self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
- Etiology
- Classification
- Symptoms
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Prevention
Rashes on the tongue are a consequence of inflammation or enlargement of the papillae localized on this organ. In itself, this is a harmless symptom, but may indicate the progression of a serious illness.
In addition to pathological predisposing factors, there is a category of physiological sources, i.e., not associated with a particular pathological process. Among them, it is worth highlighting poor nutrition and addiction to bad habits.
Most often, additional symptoms include a change in the color of the tongue, which occurs against the background of the formation of plaque on it, as well as the appearance of burning and pain.
It is impossible to make a correct diagnosis based only on the clinical picture, which is why diagnosis must necessarily take an integrated approach. A thorough examination of the oral cavity also plays a last role.
The treatment regimen directly depends on the etiological factor, but often conservative methods of therapy are sufficient.
Etiology
A wide range of predisposing factors can cause the appearance of a pathological rash on the tongue, and the causes may differ depending on the age category the person belongs to.
Rashes on the tongue in adults often form against the background of the following pathological conditions:
- any allergic reaction;
- herpes;
- inflammation of the oral mucosa or stomatitis;
- granulosa pharyngitis;
- hypovitaminosis, in which there is a lack of vitamins in the human body;
- a wide range of pathologies leading to a decrease in the resistance of the immune system;
- the occurrence of an inflammatory process directly on the tongue, which is also called glossitis;
- hepatitis or cirrhosis;
- blood diseases;
- oral candidiasis;
- impetigo - in this case, the formation of bubbles filled with clear liquid will be noted;
- pyogenic granuloma;
- liver failure;
- erythema of an exudative nature;
- a chemical burn that can occur due to toxic acidic compounds or highly concentrated alkalis entering the oral cavity.
The causes of a rash on a child’s tongue, in addition to the above sources, can be represented by:
- herpes;
- thrush;
- scarlet fever;
- a side effect from uncontrolled use of medications in the form of tablets, which is equivalent to a chemical burn in adults;
- chicken pox;
- congenital syphilis or other immunodeficiency conditions;
- disturbance of intestinal microflora or dysbacteriosis.
Thrush in a child's mouth
Non-dangerous causes of a rash on the tongue in an adult, less often in a child, are:
- eating excessively hot foods or drinks;
- bone cut;
- reaction to dentures;
- addiction to bad habits, namely smoking cigarettes;
- habit of eating very spicy or salty foods;
- change in bite that occurs after dental procedures;
- the development of an allergic reaction to a particular product, toothpaste or other product intended for oral care.
Causes
The most common reasons :
- Food is too spicy or hot . Because of this, the mucous membrane and taste buds are irritated. They begin to itch, inflammation develops, and pain appears. If you often notice such inflammation, it is possible that it is time to give up spicy and too hot foods, seasonings and spices. If these symptoms are ignored, glossitis may develop.
- Internal inflammation . Diseases of the internal organs often cause a similar symptom. If acne does not go away and bothers you for a long time, you need to share the problem with a doctor and get examined. They can be provoked by a very serious illness. Treatment of the underlying pathology may be required here.
- Herpes. It affects not only the lips, but also the entire oral mucosa and tongue. In this case, the pimples will be watery and painful. The danger of herpes should not be underestimated. If you run it, the virus can infect internal organs.
Herpes can cause a rash not only on the lips, but also on the tongue. - Stomatitis. There are different types of this disease. The most common are herpetic and candida. They are often provoked by poor hygiene and eating unwashed fruits and berries. In children, it is caused by germs from dirty toys, bottles and pacifiers. Stomatitis begins at the root, and then “advances” throughout the entire oral cavity. It is necessary to begin treatment immediately. Advanced stomatitis is difficult to treat and can also cause suffocation.
- Allergy. It can be caused by foods and medications. To eliminate symptoms, you need to completely eliminate contact with the allergen.
- Ringworm . This is a common tissue lesion that is viral in nature. It is important to remember that lichen can be easily transmitted by contact from cats, dogs, or sick people. In general, viral infections are always dangerous for the body. They can acquire a generalized form quite quickly. People with low immunity are especially susceptible to them. Viral lesions are dangerous due to their numerous complications.
- Pinpoint rash . It appears when the vessels are too fragile and their walls are easily destroyed. At the same time, bright red dots appear. They are characterized by increased density.
- Mechanical injuries . The tongue is often injured when eating food too quickly. You can also cause injury with a sharp cutlery, toothpick, toothbrush or brush. When bacteria penetrate such a wound, acne appears.
- Bad habits . Strong alcoholic drinks and cigarettes quickly irritate the delicate mucosal tissue. You need to give them up, drink more fluids, and include fruits, berries, and vegetables in your diet.
Classification
A rash on the tongue may not in all cases be small pimples. Neoplasms can also be expressed as:
- bubbles;
- small swellings;
- sores;
- warts;
- inflamed papillae covering the surface of the tongue.
Pathological formations may also differ in their color range, which is why there are:
- white – often occur with candidiasis and stomatitis;
- yellow;
- red – found in the vast majority of cases;
- pink.
However, the main classification of a rash on the tongue of a child or adult is represented by the location of the acne:
- on the tip of the tongue - based on clinical observations, it is generally accepted that damage to this segment indicates the development of problems with the cardiovascular or digestive system;
- under the tongue - is considered a clinical manifestation of quite rare pathologies, in particular Kawasaki syndrome, Kaposi's sarcoma, pernicious anemia or malignant neoplasms;
- at the root of the tongue - this localization of neoplasms is most typical for stomatitis;
- on the sides of the tongue - makes it possible to suspect herpetic sore throat.
Symptoms
A rash on the tongue of a child or an adult will never act as the only clinical sign. In the vast majority of cases, such a symptom will be the first, and against its background other manifestations will begin to develop.
The symptomatic picture will be individual in nature, since it completely depends on the pathological condition that provoked the appearance of rashes on this organ.
Local additional symptoms include:
Red rash on tongue
- redness and swelling;
- pain syndrome, which often has a minor degree of severity;
- itching and burning;
- increase in the volume of regional lymph nodes;
- discomfort when talking or eating;
- a rapid increase in the number of pimples, blisters or sores;
- the formation of abscesses and phlegmons - often observed with complicated stomatitis;
- discharge of clear liquid or blood from the blisters;
- formation of crusts in places where pathological fluid is secreted;
- coating of the tongue with a coating, the shade of which will depend on the etiology. The most commonly observed plaque is white and yellow, but it also comes in green, blue, brown, orange and black.
If one or more symptoms occur against the background of the main symptom, immediate seeking qualified help from a dentist is required.
Small
It often happens with allergies. The pimples are very small and cause itching. If they don't go away for a long time, go to the doctor. The development of an allergy can cause a rash throughout the mouth. The patient will suffer from severe discomfort.
Since we are looking at rashes in adults, let us just remind you that rashes in children occur for the following reasons:
- thrush;
- chickenpox;
- scarlet fever;
- leukoplakia;
- pharyngitis.
In order not to wait for complications, parents should immediately consult a pediatrician after pimples appear.
Diagnostics
Given the fact that a large number of different diseases contribute to the appearance of neoplasms on the tongue in the form of pimples, blisters, swellings or ulcers, it is not possible to make a correct diagnosis based on clinical signs alone.
At the initial diagnosis stage, the clinician should:
- get acquainted with the clinical picture and life history of the patient - often when the occurrence of such a sign does not have a pathological basis, this makes it possible to establish the most characteristic predisposing factor;
- Conduct a thorough dental examination of the oral cavity;
- interview the patient in detail regarding the first time of appearance and severity of both the main symptom and additional symptoms.
The basis of laboratory research is:
- general clinical analysis and blood biochemistry - will indicate the course of the pathological process;
- PCR tests;
- microscopic examination of a scraping taken from the tongue;
- bacterial culture of the contents of the vesicles.
After this, the patient may be recommended to visit specialists from other fields of medicine for consultation and possible additional instrumental examinations.
Treatment
To eliminate pathological neoplasms in the tongue, it is necessary to eliminate the underlying disease. Since there is a wide range of disease provocateurs, treatment will be individual.
Symptomatic therapy in the vast majority of cases is limited to taking the following medications:
- antihistamines - for allergic nature of the rash;
- antiseptics - for speedy healing of wounds;
- probiotics – to eliminate dysbiosis;
- antibacterial substances and anti-inflammatory drugs - to destroy pathogens.
Probiotics
It is not prohibited to treat rashes using folk remedies, among which the most effective are:
- chamomile and calendula;
- rosehip and sage;
- yarrow and St. John's wort;
- oak bark and lemon balm;
- raspberry and viburnum leaves;
- mint and plantain.
Prevention
To avoid the appearance of a rash on the tongue in the form of warts, pimples, ulcers or blisters, you must adhere to the following preventive rules:
- completely give up addictions;
- do not eat excessively hot and spicy foods;
- use only high-quality oral care products;
- promptly treat those diseases that can lead to the appearance of a red or white rash;
- undergo a complete medical examination several times a year.
The prognosis of rashes on the tongue is dictated by the etiological factor, but since such a specific symptom forces people to seek qualified help, the prognosis is often favorable.
The rash is white
It appears in various diseases:
- Atopic dermatitis. At the same time, the white plaque has pronounced boundaries, the skin itches and turns red.
- Candidiasis affects the tongue and the entire oral mucosa.
- Uniform white pimples can warn of the development of scarlet fever. Later, the tongue takes on a distinct crimson hue.
- When smoking, white spots with a gray tint may appear.
With candidiasis, a white rash may appear on the tongue.
If convex and fairly dense white spots appear, you need to treat them especially carefully. They can develop into ulcers, and then into malignant tumors.