Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help

Q: Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help

Dear Ms. Yan： When considering oral diseases involving the tongue, the following issues should be taken into account： 1. Common infections of the lips are primarily caused by Candida, leading to thrush, and herpes simplex virus, resulting in oral herpes. 2.

Small blisters on the tongue?

Hello doctor, I accidentally bit my tongue, and when I got home and took a shower, I noticed a small area on my tongue that looks like dark blood.
Should I seek medical attention for this, or is there something I can do to make it go away? I'm concerned that it might get injured further while eating or brushing my teeth and become infected.

Yan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/05

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
Yan:
When considering oral diseases involving the tongue, the following issues should be taken into account:
1.
Common infections of the lips are primarily caused by Candida, leading to thrush, and herpes simplex virus, resulting in oral herpes.

2.
Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are a common type of oral mucosal ulceration.
The related causes include bacterial infections, emotional stress, and hormonal imbalances.
These painful lesions typically heal on their own within about a week.

3.
Benign tumors of the oral cavity include papillomas, fibromas, hemangiomas, and lymphangiomas.

4.
Trauma to the lesions may lead to secondary inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and infection.

5.
Oral leukoplakia refers to white patches on the oral mucosa, with various causes including benign mechanical irritation (such as ill-fitting dentures), chemical irritants (such as smoking), inflammation, and malignant lesions.
Most cases are benign, but if there is epithelial dysplasia, it may progress to cancer (oral carcinoma).
Therefore, careful examination is essential to determine if it is a precursor lesion of inflammation.

6.
Oral carcinoma, predominantly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), commonly occurs in the lower lip, the lateral borders of the tongue, and the inner buccal mucosa.
Its occurrence is associated with betel nut chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, poor oral hygiene, and chronic irritation.
Precursor lesions include leukoplakia and erythroplakia (erythroplakia has the highest risk of progression to cancer).
The lesions are usually painless hard masses, sometimes appearing warty.
Invasive oral cancer can metastasize to cervical lymph nodes and may spread through the bloodstream to the lungs and liver, leading to mortality.
Verrucous carcinoma is a specific type of squamous cell carcinoma that appears distinctly warty and has a better prognosis than typical squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, often occurs on the lips, primarily related to sun exposure.

Based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing a subcutaneous bruise due to a tongue bite.
Generally, it may rupture within a day or two and heal on its own.
However, if it persists or enlarges, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist.
If you have further concerns, I recommend discussing them with your primary care physician or visiting the otolaryngology outpatient department at a regional hospital.

Reply Date: 2020/06/05

More Info

When it comes to small blood blisters on the tongue, also known as hematomas or petechiae, they can often be a result of minor trauma, such as accidentally biting your tongue. In most cases, these types of injuries are benign and will heal on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, there are certain circumstances in which you should consider seeking medical help.

When to Seek Medical Help
1. Persistent Symptoms: If the blood blister does not improve within a few days or if it becomes larger, this could indicate a more serious issue that may require medical evaluation.

2. Signs of Infection: If you notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the blister, or if you develop a fever, these could be signs of an infection, and you should seek medical attention promptly.

3. Severe Pain: While some discomfort is normal after biting your tongue, severe or worsening pain may warrant a visit to a healthcare provider.

4. Bleeding: If the blister bursts and you experience significant bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for a few minutes, you should seek medical help.

5. Underlying Conditions: If you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulant medications, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for any unusual bleeding or bruising.

Home Care Tips
For minor cases, you can manage the symptoms at home:
- Rinse with Salt Water: A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth several times a day.

- Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid spicy, hot, or acidic foods that may irritate the blister. Also, be cautious while brushing your teeth to prevent further injury.

- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. However, avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.

- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is essential. Brush your teeth gently and avoid the area of the blister until it heals.

Conclusion
In summary, small blood blisters on the tongue are generally not a cause for concern and can often be treated at home. However, if you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above, it’s important to seek medical attention. Always listen to your body; if something feels off or if you are unsure, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed.

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