Tongue Healing: Is Albothyl Causing Flatness After Injury?

Tongue issues?

I recently bit my tongue, resulting in a wound approximately 2cm x 3cm.
It took about three weeks to heal completely, but now the area where the wound was is very flat and lacks the normal papillae that should be present on the tongue.
What could be the reason for this? Could it be due to the application of a medication called Albothyl, which I applied once every 1-2 hours?

jack, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/16

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if the wound has already healed, it is recommended that you do not apply any medication for the time being.
You can drink more water and continue to observe.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/12/16

More Info

When it comes to tongue injuries, particularly those caused by biting, the healing process can vary significantly from person to person. In your case, you mentioned that you sustained a wound measuring approximately 2cm x 3cm on your tongue, which took about three weeks to heal completely. However, you are now noticing that the area where the injury occurred appears flat and lacks the normal papillae that are typically present on the tongue's surface.

The healing of tongue injuries generally involves several stages, including inflammation, tissue formation, and remodeling. During the initial healing phase, the body works to close the wound and prevent infection. As the tissue heals, it may initially appear smooth or flat, especially if the injury was deep or extensive. The absence of the normal texture, such as the papillae, can be concerning, but it is not uncommon for the tongue to take time to fully regenerate its surface features.

Regarding your use of Albothyl, it is important to understand what this medication is and how it may affect the healing process. Albothyl is an antiseptic solution that is often used to treat wounds and prevent infection. While it can be beneficial in keeping the wound clean, excessive use or inappropriate application may potentially lead to irritation or delayed healing in some cases. The flat appearance of your tongue could be a result of the healing process itself, or it could be influenced by the antiseptic's effect on the tissue.

The absence of papillae in the healing area could also be attributed to several factors:
1. Healing Process: The tongue is a highly vascularized organ, and while it heals quickly, the regeneration of the papillae may take longer than the closure of the wound itself. The flatness you observe may be temporary as the tissue continues to remodel.

2. Tissue Damage: If the injury was deep, it might have affected the underlying structures of the tongue, including the taste buds and papillae. This could result in a smoother surface during the healing phase.

3. Infection or Irritation: If there was any infection or irritation during the healing process, it could have impacted the normal regeneration of the tongue's surface.
4. Medication Effects: While Albothyl is generally safe for use, any antiseptic can potentially alter the healing environment. If the solution caused irritation or chemical burns, it might have affected the normal healing process.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your tongue or if you experience any pain, discomfort, or changes in taste, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or an oral specialist. They can assess the healing tissue and determine if any further treatment is necessary.
In summary, the flatness of the area where you bit your tongue could be a normal part of the healing process, but it is essential to monitor the situation. If the appearance does not improve or if you have concerns about your healing, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action.

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