Red spots on the tongue
introduction
The tongue (lat. Lingua) of a healthy person should have a velvety surface, rosy in color and be damp. Physiologically, it has no discoloration or thick deposits.
Changes in the tongue, such as red spots, can indicate an illness. This may be limited to the tongue, but more often it is an expression of another underlying condition where the spots on the tongue are just a symptom and everything is fine with the tongue itself.
Traditional Chinese medicine makes use of this, which uses the tongue and its pathological changes to attempt to diagnose diseases of the inside of the body (Tongue diagnostics). Here, each part of the tongue represents a projection for an internal organ and the change in a certain point of the tongue is consequently interpreted in Chinese medicine as an expression of a disease of the organ represented, for example the heart.
causes
There are many different causes for red spots on the tongue, depending on Age and existing risk factors occur differently. Also, the causes of red spots on the tongue range from harmless mucosal injuries (Aphthous ulcers) up to malignant tongue tumors and should therefore be examined by a doctor if the disease persists for a longer period (over three weeks).
A common cause of red spots on the tongue is one infection. This can be either local take place on the tongue, as can occur, for example, after an injury or bacterial infection of the tongue. But the infection can also systemic occur, affecting the whole body, causing red spots on the tongue as one of the symptoms. This is for example at Scarlet fever the case.
Another cause of red spots on the tongue is one Vitamin deficiency. Here it mainly comes from Vitamin B12 deficiency, more rarely with a lack of vitamin B9 or Folic acid, burning pain of the tongue, which may be accompanied by red spots. Such a vitamin deficiency can occur on the one hand due to reduced vitamin intake, for example in Malnutrition or Absorption disorders in the intestines, on the other hand, vitamin deficiency can also be due to it increased need of the vitamin arise.
The so-called also occurs frequently Map tongue (Lingua geographica) in front. Here arise whitish or red spots on the tongue, which are interrupted by normal areas of the tongue and thus form a map-shaped image on the tongue. The localization these red spots can typically be found on the map tongue change. It is believed that the map tongue is a genetic Has a cause and is therefore inherited. The red spots are signs of one here benign inflammation and can become symptomatic with burning sensation or pain. The development of red spots on the tongue of the map can be caused by various foods caused and treated and improved by doing without them.
There are also red spots on the tongue allergic asthma in front. Here the allergenic substances can also cause reactions on the oral mucosa. Also allergies can take the form of the tongue Contact allergies affect directly and thus lead to the red spots. This happens, for example, when there is an intolerance to toothpaste or mouthwash.
Very rarely do red spots provide an indication of one Tongue tumor. The spots are mostly here red, bleeding and you pain. Accompanying symptoms show like unwanted Weight loss, Difficulty chewing and Speak or hoarseness towards the cancer or its preliminary stage, which is why long-term red spots or hoarseness should definitely be examined by an ENT doctor for three weeks.
Figure causes of red spots on the tongue
Red spots on the tongue
- Central tongue groove -
Sulcus medianus linguae - Back of tongue -
Dorsum linguae - Fungal papillae -
Fungiform papillae - Leaf papillae -
Foliate Papillae - Filamentous papillae -
Filiform papillae - Tip of tongue -
Apex linguae
Causes:
A - scarlet fever (Scarlatina) -
caused by bacteria
Infectious disease
B - Malignant tongue tumors -
red, bleeding and painful
C - map tongue
(Lingua geographica) -
benign inflammation,
genetic cause
D - harmless mucosal injuries
(Canker sores) - lack of vitamin B 12,
Allergies, stress, weakened immune system
Therapy:
Disinfecting solutions
(Chlorhexidine, Tantum Verde)
Herbal solutions
from salt water, chamomile,
Sage or thyme
Vitamin B12
(Whole milk, fish, offal,
red meat, cheeses,
Capsule form, injection treatment)
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
Diagnosis
If you present yourself to a doctor with red spots on your tongue, they will first try the anamnese to find out more information and references to a possible underlying disease.
The doctor asks, for example, how long the stains have existed and whether others accompanying symptoms such as fever or hoarseness.
In the subsequent examination, the doctor inspects the tongue and examines whether the spots on the tongue are the cause injury, one inflammation or one tumor to have. It also checks whether symptoms, such as swelling of the lymph nodes (please refer: Lymph node swelling in the lower jaw), which can be an indication of a systemic, i.e. the whole body, disease.
Is there any suspicion Vitamin deficiency before, a blood test is used to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Often there is also a burning sensation in the mouth.
Red spots on the tongue in the baby
In babies, a typical cause of red spots on the tongue is one mechanical injury the tongue, caused for example by being trapped in toys.
Such a previously damaged tongue can get through Destruction of the lining of the tongue, which otherwise serves as a natural protective barrier, easily by colonizing bacteria ignite. This inflammation can then be seen in the form of red spots. However, it heals within a few days by itself from.
Also pose possible causes for red spots on the tongue in babies Allergiesagainst a toy that the baby puts in its mouth, for example.
Another reason for red spots on the tongue in babies can be Lack of vitamins, being frequent at vitamin B12. Here there is usually an increased need for the vitamin, which is important for cell division and thus the growth of the child. Once a doctor has diagnosed a vitamin deficiency, the appropriate vitamin can be targeted preparations be replaced.
Also can Infections how Scarlet fever lead to red spots.
Please also read: Scarlet fever in the baby
Red spots on the tongue in the child
Reasons for red spots on the tongue in the child differ only slightly from those of the baby.
However, move from toddler age Infections as the main cause for red spots on the tongue in the foreground.
It is particularly common here Scarlet fever. It is about a contagious bacterial infection with streptococci, which cause systemic infection. In the beginning there is a high fever and the typical one Strawberry-/Raspberry tonguewhich impresses with a strong reddening and additional white coating on the tongue, which is reminiscent of a raspberry pattern. A child with scarlet fever also has a pronounced feeling of illness with a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, signs of colds and a rash (Rash) all over the body (see: Symptoms of scarlet fever).
In contrast to most of the other typical childhood diseases such as chickenpox, one can get infected after a scarlet fever get sick again. Therapeutically, antibiotics are used, the serious consequential damage of the scarlet fever infection such as a Inflammation of the pericardium (Pericarditis) should prevent.
Another infectious disease that is common in childhood and can cause red spots in the mouth and tongue is so-called hand, foot and mouth disease, which is caused by viruses. This disease can proceed without any symptoms, but can also be accompanied by fever, a feeling of illness and the typical burning blisters on the palm, soles of the feet and in or on the mouth.
Because this infectious disease very contagious many children in kindergartens are often affected. Hand, foot, and mouth disease has one uncomplicated course and heals on its own after about eight days. Possibly can be used to relieve the burning sensation pain relieving mouth gels be used.
Red spots on the tongue during pregnancy
In the pregnancy in which there is to hormonal change and thereby also to increased Susceptibility to infection comes, red spots on the tongue often appear in the form of something called a Canker sores on. This is inflammation on the oral mucosa and also on the tongue, which is very severe when touched, for example when eating painful could be. Cure these aphthous ulcers within a few days by itself.
The hormonal change is also a risk factor for the development of the Map tonguewhich therefore occurs more frequently during pregnancy.
Dem Vitamin deficiency, especially the lack of vitamin B12, is of great importance during pregnancy due to the increased need and can manifest itself in the form of burning red spots on the tongue.
Red spots on the tongue and roof of the mouth
Red spots on the tongue and palate ring the alarm bells for many people. Often, however, they hide harmless causes! The simplest explanation can be a Food allergy be. It is even estimated that up to six percent of our population suffer from it. Local reactions to individual foods (e.g. kiwi, apple, pineapple) can cause red spots on the tongue and palate. At the same time, those affected often report on a furry feeling the tongue, itching or Swelling of the lips.
Little ones Burns in the area of the palate also cause red spots. In children, red spots may appear on the tongue and palate Scarlet fever be.
Burning red spots
Burning red spots on the tongue are often the cause Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Ask another cause Allergies, for example against the toothpaste used. Sensitive people can also after excessive consumption acidic foods (e.g. citrus fruits, soda) suffer from burning and red spots on the tongue.
Occasionally it is so-called Canker sores (please refer: Canker sores tongue). They are small, sometimes very painful changes in the lining of the mouth or the tongue. The sore spots are surrounded by a red, blotchy border. The canker sores can hurt and burn, especially when eating hot or spicy foods. The cause is not yet sufficiently known. It is believed that stress and a weakened immune system play an important role. Most of the time, the annoying red spots heal on their own. Anesthetic gels for pain relief can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Very rarely, more complex diseases can be hidden behind it. There are e.g. the phenomenon of "Map tongue“As a sign of chronic inflammation of the tongue.
Burning red spots can also be caused by conditions like the Diabetes mellitus caused, in addition to the burning sensation, often also Paresthesia how tingle or Numbness occurrence.
Red spots and a sore throat
Red spots on the tongue associated with a sore throat are usually an expression of one infection such as the disease Scarlet fever. Here step alongside fever, a feeling of illness and a skin rash on the whole body often additionally difficulties swallowing and in the case of bacterial colonization of the mouth and throat bad breath on.
Red spots and fever
In addition to the spots on the tongue fever before, this is a strong indication of a infection. Typical examples of this are the diseases that often occur in childhood Scarlet fever and the Hand mouthfoot-Illness.
Red spots and scarlet fever
In the vernacular, the fine, red spots on the tongue in scarlet fever are also known as "strawberry tongue". Typically there are strong accompanying Sore throat, difficulties swallowing and fever on. The cause of the contagious infectious disease bacteria (so-called streptococci). Are predominantly children affected between the ages of 1 and 4. In principle, however, adults can also develop scarlet fever. Contrary to popular belief, multiple infection with scarlet fever is also possible!
If left untreated, scarlet fever can cause dangerous complications (especially Myocarditis) trigger. Therefore: Red spots on the tongue, accompanied by a sore throat or fever, are always a reason for a doctor's visit. Your doctor can diagnose "scarlet fever" within a few minutes using a quick test. Under Antibiotic therapy the disease heals without any problems in the vast majority of cases.In addition, the risk of infection is reduced to a minimum within the first 24 hours with antibiotics.
therapy
The therapy always depends on the underlying disease. Due to the multitude of possible causes, the medication here can be very different.
However, some general measures can help against the symptoms, such as a burning sensation on the tongue or in the mouth and against the uncomfortable feeling caused by the irritation and possible swelling. This includes disinfecting solutions like Chlorhexidine, Tantum Verde or others. Also herbal solutions from Salt water, Kamille, sage or thyme can help. Throat pain pills are not developed for use on the tongue per se, but they also fight pain here.
Avoid However, you should particularly irritate substances such as sour fruitso as not to irritate the tongue further.
Despite all these measures, one should nevertheless do not miss a visit to the doctorso that one receives a therapy adapted to the respective cause.
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