HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)geographic tongueMy tongue has purple spots, which get irritated while I eat spicy food. Why?

Why is there an increase in the size of purple spots on the tongue with a burning sensation?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At October 4, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have got purple spots on my tongue, which gets highly irritated when I eat spicy food. It is there for the past seven months and has increased in size. I have vitamin B complex supplements for the past three months.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and the attached image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I am very sorry for the discomfort. As a Specialist, I am here to help you. Lesions on the tongue are sometimes widespread, and sometimes they need serious attention. Kindly answer these queries. - Are the patterns remain unchanged or random? - Are you sure you have not seen such patterns before seven months? - Kindly let me know if there is any history of chronic medication. - Do you feel these burning sensations throughout these seven months? I suspect geographic tongue with associated candidiasis. Nothing to worry about; I am here to help in every possible way. Kindly reply to the questions asked, and I will assist immediately and lead you through the management needed and prescribe necessary medication that will ease your discomfort. The exact cause is unknown; several factors such as emotional stress, psychological aspect, habits, and allergies might trigger. Nothing to worry; it is harmless and will not affect your health. But it is needed to be managed. I will be waiting for your reply. I will assist once I receive your answer. Thanks.

The Probable causes

The exact cause is unknown; several factors such as emotional stress, psychological factors, habits, and allergies might trigger this.

Investigations to be done

Kindly reply to asked queries to confirm the diagnosis.

Probable diagnosis

Geographic Tongue.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for your reply.

No, I never observed it earlier, I am sure. It has not changed its location but has increased very much area wise. There is no history of chronic medication. Yes, the burning sensation has been persistent since the day it first appeared. It gets irritated only after eating oily, spicy, or hot food, but it is fine after some time. I thought it is a geographic tongue, but not all the symptoms match it like there is no raised boundary.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Upon receiving your reply, I confirm that it is a geographic tongue with associated candidiasis. The geographic tongue needs no treatment; it is like small circular patches over the tongue. The exact cause is unknown; several factors such as emotional stress, psychological factors, habits, and allergies might trigger this. But the burning sensation is due to candidiasis. It is a fungal infection and results in a whitish appearance over the tongue. - Apply Candid mouth paint over the tongue after cleaning with a cotton ball. - ClenoRush troche (Clotrimazole) 10 mg chewable tablets one tablet once daily for five days. - Kenacort (Triamcinolone) ointment over the tongue. - Betadine (Povidone-iodine 2%) mouthwash, gargle in lukewarm water two to three times a day. - Tongue scraping habit whenever you brush. - Brush twice daily. Start the medications immediately. I hope it was helpful. These medications will help to ease your discomfort. Nothing to worry about in any kind, and I am here to help in every possible way. Let me know if any further query. Do come for a follow-up after a week. Thanks.

Probable diagnosis

Geographic tongue associated with Candidiasis.

Treatment plan

Medications given .

Preventive measures

Avoid spicy food for now. Tongue scraping habit regularly.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay
Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay

Dentistry

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy