Geographic language

Geographical language is an inflammation of the tongue, usually benign and accompanied by exfoliation of the upper epithelial part (desquamation). It is more correct to call this disease desquamative glossitis (glossitis desquamativa) from the words "desquamation" - sluschivanie and glōssa - language. The office spreads throughout the language and looks like a variety of pinkish-red spots in shape, surrounded by a light rim. The language is covered with a specific pattern resembling a drawing of a geographical map. Also, the geographical language is the cracks in the epithelial tissue, caused by the penetration of infection into the desquamated site.

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What causes geographical language?

Despite the prevalence of desquamative inflammation, this disease has not yet been studied enough and its etiology is not completely clarified. Some physicians regard the geographical language as the neurodystrophy of the epithelial membrane, others refer to glossitis desquamative form for inflammation, there are those who consider exfoliation of the tongue as a variant of the norm as a symptomatic manifestation of gastrointestinal diseases. The main difficulty is to clarify the reason why trophic tissue is disrupted. Among the most common reasons for desquamation of the language are the following: 

• Various pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract. 
• Endocrine diseases. 
• Vegetative disorders. 
• Autoimmune diseases - rheumatism, collagenosis. 
• Diseases of viral etiology. 
• Hereditary factor. 
• Clay invasion. 
• Hypo or avitaminosis. 
• Medication intoxication. 
• Hormonal changes, including pregnancy. 
• Mechanical damage.

How does the geographical language manifest itself?

Geographical language shows signs without apparent, explainable reasons. As a rule, the disease arises unexpectedly, as are the unpredictable locations of the peeling of the mucous membrane. The person does not feel pain, therefore the signs of desquamation are found out by chance, often during brushing of teeth or when it is necessary to look in the mirror. The first alarm can be a white coating on the surface and small focal redness on it. Gradually, the raid begins to peel off, those areas from which the raid comes off, acquire a bizarre shape reminiscent of the contours of the continents on the map. Developing desquamative glossitis can cause the following sensations: 

• A slight burning of the tongue, most often in areas from which the raid comes off; 
• Irritation of the tongue when taking hot, too cold, spicy or salty foods; 
• Increase the language; 
• Pain when eating; 
• Difficulties with diction in communication.

Peeling can last for months, except for a slight burning and temporary discomfort of other manifestations, as a rule, no. Geographical language can be accompanied by cracks, usually it happens with intensive desquamation or because of mechanical damage to the tongue by solid food. The crack itself is not a medical disease, however, an infection may enter it, then the person has a disrupted sensation, periodic headaches and lymph nodes may be inflamed.

How is geographic language treated?

Even if desquamative glossitis does not cause severe discomfort, it should be treated to avoid the appearance of cracks and further infection. It should be noted that there are cases of self-healing, this is due to the possible targeted treatment of the underlying disease that provoked glossitis. Desquamative glossitis is treated by a gastroenterologist, it is also necessary to visit a dentist for a full sanation of the mouth, to eliminate all problems with the teeth - caries, periodontitis. If the cracks in the tongue are diagnosed, the appointment of local anesthetics for anesthesia and drugs with antibacterial action are indicated. A good effect is applied to damaged areas with a mixture of novocaine, an oil solution of vitamin E, and the retinal oil solution (vitamin A) has the same keratoplastic effect. As drugs that activate regeneration, appoint calcium pantothenate (2 tablets three times a day for 1.5 months). Calcium pantothenate, splitting in the intestine, releases pantothenic acid, which in turn activates the process of corticosteroid formation, which strengthens the regenerative processes in the body.

For self-elimination desquamation, hygienic, antiseptic dentifrices - Sensitive, Oxygenol, Lacalut Antiplaqu, Stomatidin, Lysoplac containing chlorhexidine may be suitable. It is also effective to use Imudon - immunomodulator, released in the form of tablets for resorption. Imoudon has an active anti-inflammatory effect, it causes the production of lysozyme, which in turn increases the concentration of immunoglobulin A. In addition to complex local treatment, one should adhere to a sparing diet: avoid eating too hot or cold food, exclude from the diet all dishes, irritating actions (salted, smoked, marinated, spicy dishes).

Geographic language is treated and alternative means - broths, which need to rinse the oral cavity at least 4-5 times a day. 

• Broth of oak bark. 1 tablespoon of dried oak bark is poured into half a liter of boiling water and boiled over low heat or a water bath for about 30 minutes. The broth is filtered and rinsed 4-5 times a day for 2-3 minutes. 
• Decoction of the flowers of calendula. It is prepared in the same way as the bark of oak, but boils less than 1-15 minutes. Rinses with this decoction help to restore the epithelium of the tongue. 
• A mixture of sage, chamomile and oak bark. Take a teaspoon of each ingredient, pour a liter of hot water, boil for 10-15 minutes. Strain, cool to room temperature, rinse your mouth 4-5 times a day for 2-3 minutes.