Benign Migratory Glossitis

Benign migratory glossitis is a condition that causes reddish areas on the tongue. The reddish areas may be slightly tender. The cause is unknown.

Include reddish, smooth patches on the tongue and a change in tongue color. Some people may feel tenderness, especially when drinking alcohol or eating spicy foods. Some people feel tongue burning. Soreness can be treated with an anesthetic or a steroid applied to the area. Sometimes an antifungal medicine also used.

Affecting 2-3% of the adult general population, but others report that the highest incidence occurs in the over 40 age group, 28.7% out of 3,274 population suffered in Italy.

Benign migratory glossitis does not need to be treated. Soreness can be treated with an anesthetic or a steroid applied to the area. Sometimes an antifungal medicine may help.