Map language
The tongue with white and red spots is a disorder known as a "language with a map": it is a chronic condition that generally presents with red spots that flake. The spots may appear more or less uniformly, in the margins, in the back of the tongue or at the level of the tip: the patches may also appear greyish, irregularly shaped and easy to flake off.
Stain characteristics
In general, the spots are pink with the white border and draw a sort of map on the surface of the language: in this regard, the name "geographical map" seems to be the most appropriate term to define the disorder. The arrangement of the papillae is such that the blotches form a sort of dark circle in the center, which lightens as you get to the edge (from the white-yellow color); the spots form furrows, more or less deep, which are clearly visible. Sometimes, the lesions are more pronounced on the margins due to the teeth that lacerate the damaged tissue.
Incidence and causes
Spots on the tongue manifest themselves in all races, but women are certainly more affected; furthermore, migrant glossitis occurs mainly in infants, in puberty and in subjects who are over forty years of age.
The spots tend to appear and vanish without a precise reason; the spotted tongue does not create serious problems, if not of an aesthetic nature (asymptomatic disease). Injuries that occur can be a consequence of diabetes mellitus ; probably, even psoriasis could cause red spots on the tongue, although there has been no scientific confirmation to confirm the hypothesis. Contrary to what common thinking thinks, it is unlikely that vitamin deficiencies can cause the formation of spots on the lingual surface, unless they are particularly severe and in such a case would be accompanied by further and much more serious signs and symptoms.
Infections and spots on the tongue
Considering, then, that the disease of the language on a map is of inflammatory origin, fungal, bacterial or viral infections could enhance the problem, if it already exists. Atopic dermatitis, AIDS and Reiter's syndrome (inflammation of the eyes, joints and genitals, sexually transmitted disease) are diseases that could cause the appearance of spots on the tongue. Inheritance represents another etiological factor that determines the spots, as well as allergies : many subjects suffering from rhinitis and asthma manifest a tongue with white and red polka dots.
Stress and spots on the tongue
Finally, stress plays a fundamental role in the manifestation of the disorder: stress, however, does not represent a consequence of the spotted tongue, but rather a possible trigger.
Although the disorder does not present itself with pain and discomfort, the doctor's opinion is always useful; furthermore, the specialist could recommend a tongue biopsy for more precise diagnostic tests.
Cures and natural remedies
Unfortunately there are no cures aimed at the definitive resolution of the spots on the tongue, since the etiological research is very vague, therefore doubtful; despite this, some doctors recommend the use of antibiotics and vitamins (although, as we have seen, it seems that hypovitaminosis is not considered the cause of the spots). If the spots peel off, undergoing a de-epithelialization, the specialists could direct the patient towards natural remedies with a re-epithelising and healing action: the aloe, for example, is rich in muco-polysaccharides, vitamins and mineral salts which, at the tongue level, they create a protective film that favors the re-epithelialization and healing of the lesions, also exercising a discreet antibacterial activity. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also known: aloe is therefore a good remedy to reduce stains on the tongue and promote healing of the same.
