Definition

• Map-like red patches on the tongue
• Cause not known

Health Information

Symptoms

• Smooth red patches of different shapes and sizes.
• The pattern looks like a map of islands.
• The red patches have a whitish border
• The shapes can change from week to week.
• The bare spots are usually painless.
• The child does not lose the sense of taste.
• The condition usually occurs in children under age 6.

Cause

• The cause is not known.
• It may be related to food allergies or other irritants.
• A vitamin deficiency could also be the cause. This can occur if your child is a picky eater.
• Also, this can run in families. (genetic)
• It’s not caused by an infection.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Geographic tongue is harmless.
   • It occurs mainly in children age 2 to 6 years.
   • It cannot spread to other children.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Vitamins:
   • If your child is a picky eater, start your child on a multi-vitamin. Give daily.
3. Avoid Triggers:
   • Avoid any foods that make it worse.
4. Treatment:
   • Usually no treatment is helpful or needed.
5. What to Expect:
   • The tongue returns to normal on its own.
   • This can take months up to 2 years.
   • During this time, your child won’t have any symptoms.

Call Your Doctor If

• The tongue becomes painful
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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