Tongue peeling on the left side

[hoss1985]

Hi,

I am 33; non-smoker. I recently found out that the left side of my tongue is kind of peeling off. Any idea what it can be? Many thanks!

 

[honestdoc]

I'm having a hard time seeing where you are pointing to . Could you provide more images? From my limited view, I'm not seeing anything abnormal.

 

[hoss1985]

I took a better picture. The left side of my tongue is kind of red. Peeling off, maybe? Thanks a lot for your time.

 

[honestdoc]

Those bumps look normal. Look up "foliate papillae." If you have pain, extreme redness, asymmetry, callous like lesions, have a dentist look at it.

 

[honestdoc]

Also look up "migratory glossitis."

 

[hoss1985]

I will. Thanks a lot! It’s not symmetrical. The red spot is not painful. It’s not very much red. Looks slightly inflamed. I’m attaching another photo. Once again, thanks a lot.

 

[hoss1985]

Also, the red spot hasn’t “migrated.” It’s been there for a few weeks. Is it something abnormal? Many thanks.

 

[honestdoc]

I believe that is normal anatomy. You could get another opinion. Did you consume or rinse with anything that irritates like a new mouth rinse, cinnamon, new toothpaste, herbal substances, or similar? If so, get it checked. If the bumps happened for no apparent reason, continue to watch for symptoms I mentioned.

 

[hoss1985]

I use cinnamon every now and then. But not that much. Also, I go back and forth between several toothpaste and mouthwash types. I was afraid it’s Erythroplakia. That got me scared a lot.

 

[honestdoc]

You want to minimize/avoid chemical irritation in the mouth. You mouth/body does not like irritation of any kind and may form abnormal tissue to protect from it. Some toothpastes can irritate and I dislike mouth rinses especially if they are alcohol based. For your peace of mind, have a dentist thoroughly examine the area and be sure to disclose all potentially irritating products you are using.

 

[hoss1985]

Thanks a lot for the info! I've made an appointment with an ENT doctor for tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

 

[hoss1985]

Hi. A quick update. My NET doc said it’s the geographic tongue and the bumps are taste buds. He said to not worry about it at all. Thanks again for your help.