Geographic tongue

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Geographic tongue is a harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue. A person with this condition may find salty or spicy foods painful.

Symptoms

Symptoms include smooth, red patches on the top or side of the tongue. The patches may change location, size, and shape.

Treatments

Patches often heal and move elsewhere on the tongue before clearing up on their own. Pain relievers and rinses might help.