What causes recurrent, shifting patches on the tongue?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is 3 years old. He has recurrent patches on his tongue, which looks like it is burnt. It disappears by itself in a few days and reappears again. The location keeps changing on the tongue surface and is not present anywhere in his mouth or gums. He does not have any pain or shows any discomfort with this. We consulted a doctor, who was unsure if it was oral thrush. He had antifungal Nystatin twice, which did not seem to be effective. Could you please help me find out what this is? Do I have to worry about this?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

One of the causes for such patches is oral thrush, but since antifungal medication like, Nystatin is not helping, it looks like a vitamin C deficiency in the diet. The daily recommended dose is 100 to 200 mg per day, easily attainable by diet, and does not require any supplementation.

Please give the child foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits like, lemons, oranges, mandarins, kiwi, strawberries, guava, and papaya.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to contact me for further queries.

Thank you.