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What could be the reason for the burning sensation and sores on my tongue's tip?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had a burning sensation on my tongue and small sores on the tip. I have tested for herpes, and it was negative multiple times. The last time I got tested was before two and a half years. Can I have herpes even though I tested IgG negative? Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath did his MBBS and specialization in M.D (Microbiology) , D.N.B (Microbiology) and M.N.A.M.S (Microbiology) which deals with clinical laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases of microbial origin such as bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic etiology, and certain autoimmune diseases. He has a particular interest in Infectious diseases in General Practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have reviewed the image attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity).

The lesions in your tongue can be transient lingual papillitis which is caused due to bad food habits, stress, hormonal fluctuations seen in aging, and chronic irritation from dentures and herpes. Sometimes, it is also seen in those who sleep with their mouth open at night, resulting in drying and tongue irritation leading to papillitis. Also, citrus fruits like lemon can cause it. It can also be due to hormonal pills like Ocella (Drospirenone and Ethinyl estradiol). It can come and go frequently, causing pain and irritation in your mouth. I would suggest:

  1. Do gargle twice or thrice a day with warm saline water.
  2. Over-the-counter analgesics like tablet Ibuprofen and tablet Paracetamol can help with the pain.
  3. Take food rich in protein and vitamins.
  4. Reduce the intake of oily and spicy food, if any.
  5. Drink enough water and fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated.
  6. Take over-the-counter multivitamins.
  7. Drink green tea twice or thrice a day.
  8. Try to avoid stress, if any.
  9. Do yoga or meditation.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 27, 2022
Reviewed At September 2, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath did his MBBS and specialization in M.D (Microbiology) , D.N.B (Microbiology) and M.N.A.M.S (Microbiology) which deals with clinical laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases of microbial origin such as bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic etiology, and certain autoimmune diseases. He has a particular interest in Infectious diseases in General Practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath did his MBBS and specialization in M.D (Microbiology) , D.N.B (Microbiology) and M.N.A.M.S (Microbiology) which deals with clinical laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases of microbial origin such as bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic etiology, and certain autoimmune diseases. He has a particular interest in Infectious diseases in General Practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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