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, although other sources report a prevalence of up to 14%. It is one of the most common tongue disorders that occurs in children. The condition often starts in childhood, sometimes at an early age, but others report that the highest incidence occurs in the over 40 age group. Females are sometimes reported to be more commonly affected than males, in a 2:1 ratio.

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.