Tongue Issues: Recurrent Inflammation or Burns?

Q: Tongue Issues: Recurrent Inflammation or Burns?

Hello： The redness of the tissue may be related to congestion, and it can be caused by inflammation, burns, or irritation from consuming excessively hot food. <br>If there are no obvious ulcers or pain, it is advisable to observe first. <br>Generally, oral ointments contain stero

Tongue issues

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a follow-up question regarding the issue I mentioned last time.
On August 15th, I noticed a small red patch just beneath the tip of my tongue.
I have been applying oral ointment and monitoring it daily.
Yesterday, I observed that the small red patch seemed to be healing well, but this morning after eating a hot bun, I looked in the mirror and saw that the patch, which was almost healed, suddenly turned red again, similar to how it looked at the beginning.
Could you please advise if this is recurrent glossitis or if it is redness caused by a burn? Also, does continuous application of the oral ointment thin the mucosa? I would appreciate your response when you have the time.

Wenwen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/25

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: The redness of the tissue may be related to congestion, and it can be caused by inflammation, burns, or irritation from consuming excessively hot food.
If there are no obvious ulcers or pain, it is advisable to observe first.
Generally, oral ointments contain steroid components, and it is recommended to apply them only when there are open ulcers, rather than using them as a daily maintenance treatment.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/08/25

More Info

When it comes to issues regarding the tongue, such as recurrent inflammation or burns, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and the appropriate management strategies. Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing a recurring red patch on your tongue, which seems to improve but then worsens again after consuming hot food. This situation raises the question of whether you are dealing with recurrent glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) or a thermal burn.

Firstly, the redness you observe on your tongue can be attributed to various factors, including inflammation, irritation from hot foods, or even an allergic reaction. The fact that the redness improves and then reappears after eating hot food suggests that thermal injury might be a significant contributor to your symptoms. The mucosal lining of the mouth, including the tongue, is sensitive and can easily become inflamed or injured due to high temperatures.
Regarding the use of oral ointments, many of these products contain corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation but may also have side effects if used excessively. Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids can lead to thinning of the mucosal membranes, making them more susceptible to irritation and injury. Therefore, it is advisable to use such ointments only when necessary, particularly in the presence of ulcers or significant inflammation, rather than as a routine treatment.

If the red patch on your tongue continues to recur, it may be beneficial to consider other potential causes of glossitis. Factors such as nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, folate, iron), allergic reactions, or even systemic conditions like autoimmune diseases can contribute to recurrent inflammation of the tongue. It might be worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly recommend blood tests to rule out any underlying deficiencies or conditions.

In addition, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding irritants such as spicy or hot foods can help manage your symptoms. Staying hydrated and using a soft-bristled toothbrush can also minimize irritation to the tongue and oral mucosa. If you notice any additional symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while the symptoms you describe could be due to recurrent inflammation or thermal burns, it is essential to consider a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management. Limiting the use of topical ointments, avoiding hot foods, and consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation can help address your concerns effectively. If symptoms persist or worsen, a referral to a specialist, such as an otolaryngologist or a dentist, may be warranted for further investigation and tailored treatment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Tongue Issues: Seeking Help for Persistent Symptoms

Hello Dr. Zheng, I have white coating on my tongue, almost the entire surface is turning white. The edges of my tongue appear wavy, and I constantly feel a burning sensation on the surface. This condition has persisted for about six months. During this time, I visited a dentist w...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The common issue is still inflammation of the tongue, with the main related specialties being Otolaryngology, Dentistry, Infectious Diseases, or Rheumatology. If examinations show no significant abnormalities, it is advisable to address potential chronic irritants, such as...

Understanding Tongue Inflammation: Causes and Concerns

I'm very sorry to bother you again, but here are the images of my tongue. Last week, the area that was originally white developed white and red spots, possibly due to a burn, and it has persisted for a week. The burned area has white skin that can be peeled off, and undernea...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: The two photos do not appear to resemble oral cancer. If you are still very concerned about the possibility of cancer, it is advisable to visit an oral surgeon for a biopsy and blood tests to check relevant values, as this would provide a more accurate assessment.

Unraveling Mysterious Tongue Pain: A Neurological Perspective

Three years ago, after drinking a bottle of Pom juice one night, I started experiencing pain in my tongue. At that time, several areas were red but without any sores, and the pain persisted. I went to a teaching hospital for an examination, where both the attending physician and ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Sir: The issues you mentioned may be related to rheumatologic and immunologic disorders. It might be worth considering Behçet's Disease, which has the following major diagnostic criteria: recurrent oral ulcers, skin lesions such as erythema nodosum, subcutaneous venou...

Understanding Tongue Inflammation: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

Hello Dr. Cheng, I asked you some questions about tongue inflammation on November 27, and I have a better understanding of my concerns. Thank you. Today, I had a follow-up appointment at the clinic with a new young doctor. He examined my tongue with a tongue depressor and also me...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, inflammation of the tongue does not necessarily lead to tongue cancer. The development of cancer typically requires long-term chronic irritation, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or prolonged friction from dentures. If you are concerned, it is advisable to have a foll...