Pimples on the tongue can be caused by bacterial, viral infections, physical damage, and allergic reactions. Each neoplasm has its own causes, treatment methods and methods of prevention.
Types of acne
Pimples in the oral cavity can vary in appearance and causes. It is worth paying attention to the most common ones.
Papillitis
Inflamed and swollen papillae of the tongue are called papillitis.
The causes of occurrence are always external stimuli:
- An unsuitable toothbrush;
- Acidic or alkaline effects on the oral cavity;
- Burns from boiling water;
- Irritation from foods, such as frequent consumption of candy;
- Frequent heartburn and acid reflux from the stomach;
- Tongue biting injuries;
- Cuts on the tongue from a chipped tooth or filling;
- Injuries to the tongue from rough food, such as fish bones.
To combat papillitis, it is enough to eliminate the cause and treat with an antiseptic for 2-3 days. Healing occurs on day 2, provided that the inflammation is not a consequence of infection.
Infectious inflammation is called glossitis.
Glossitis
Degenerative changes in the tongue, its hardening, bleeding ulcers, bad breath, heavy plaque - all these symptoms indicate the disease glossitis caused by infection.
- Bacterial contamination of the oral cavity;
- Iron-deficiency anemia;
- Vitamin deficiency, in particular lack of B vitamins;
- Lichen planus;
- Syphilis, etc.
To combat glossitis, studies are prescribed to clarify the cause. After this, the patient usually undergoes a course of antibiotic therapy or antiviral drugs. For topical use, it is recommended to use antiseptics, manganese solution, miramistin, chlorhexidine, furatsilin at the patient's choice.
If a lack of vitamins or elements (iron) is detected, a course of multivitamins and iron supplements is prescribed. Sometimes injections or tablets of B vitamins, the intake of which must be prescribed by the doctor, since when taken simultaneously with certain foods, the vitamins are not absorbed.
Contaminated mucous membrane – stomatitis
Small ulcers on the tongue, cheeks, and the inside of the lips that itch, hurt and interfere with chewing food. Usually occur due to contamination of the mucous membrane in young children, when licking toys, against the background of weakened immunity. However, it also occurs in adults.
- Oral contamination from toys in children;
- Smoking and alcohol abuse in adults;
- Weakened immunity after suffering a viral infection;
- Injured mucous membrane.
Treatment usually consists of antiseptic treatment of the mouth. If the child is small and cannot rinse his mouth, then it is necessary to lubricate the oral cavity with a swab or cotton pad soaked in antiseptic. They also carry out procedures that strengthen general immunity: walks in the fresh air, sunbathing, taking multivitamins, a nutritious varied diet, and sufficient fluid intake.
Aphthous stomatitis
Manifested by the appearance of extensive ulcers in the oral cavity. It is also called geographical, since the lesions resemble a map. Bacterial causes of these lesions have not been identified. Typically, lesions occur as a result of allergic reactions, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, a general decrease in immunity, hereditary predisposition, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and defects of the hematopoietic system.
If there is no improvement within three days of antiseptic measures, then a visit to the doctor is essential.
Candidiasis. Fungal stomatitis (thrush)
A fungal disease, commonly referred to as thrush. It occurs in both adults and children. The latter become infected exclusively through contact with the mother, through the birth canal or infected nipples, during breastfeeding.
It has symptoms: dry mouth, itching and burning, a white coating under which red tumors are localized, which sometimes bleed.
In children, it is usually sufficient to treat the oral cavity with a soda solution (pour one teaspoon of soda into a glass of boiling water, stir and cool).
For adults, it is necessary to take a course of antifungal drugs, such as pimafucin, clotrimazole, Diflucan, and others. It is very important not to stop taking the drug, even if there is improvement. This threatens the strengthening of the fungus and the return of lesions on a larger scale. For adult carriers of the fungus, it is necessary to undergo treatment together with a sexual partner to avoid a recurrence of symptoms.
Viral infections and STDs
Painful oral rashes can be caused by viral infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This can be either the herpes simplex virus, or HIV infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis.
It is very important to treat these diseases without turning them into a chronic form, otherwise they cannot be completely cured, and it is only possible to stop exacerbations.
So, for example, with syphilis, the incubation period is 14-50 days, during which time a pimple with rough walls appears in the place where the infection has penetrated, including in the mouth; it goes away, on average, after 30 days, becoming chronic. and, if no action is taken, subsequent manifestations affect the central nervous system and lead to death.
If you are infected with an STD, you must contact a venereologist, who will prescribe the treatment necessary in a particular case.
Oral cancer
Neoplasms in the mouth, which in the early stages present as small ulcers, can be easily confused with ordinary stomatitis. At first, the discomfort is local, however, if the symptoms are ignored, the pain can intensify and radiate to the head and ears.
If left untreated, a malignant tumor grows and interferes with leading a normal lifestyle. Makes swallowing difficult and increases salivation.
There are no specific reasons for the formation of cancer. But there are indirect factors that increase risks:
- Smoking;
- Alcohol abuse;
- Systematic injury to the oral mucosa with dentures, fillings, and rough food;
- According to statistics, men over 60 years of age, smokers, and people who regularly consume spicy foods are more susceptible to oral cancer.
Treatment is prescribed depending on the stage at which the patient consulted an oncologist; most often it is radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and, in extreme cases, surgery to remove the tumor.
Kawasaki disease
A disease with an acute course and high fever, most often affecting children under 10 years of age. The main causes of occurrence have not been identified, but based on observations, it has been noted that children of the Asian race are more likely to get sick. The causes of the disease include the following:
- Staphylococcal infections;
- Streptococcal infections;
- Viral infections (herpes, Epstein Barr and others);
- Genetic predisposition.
The symptoms of the disease are extensive, when the body is affected, the temperature rises and lasts for several days, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, swelling of the tongue and lips, aching joints, severe deterioration in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, possible appearance of arterial aneurysms and myocardial infarction are noted. The disease is dangerous due to complications on the heart and central nervous system.
Treatment consists of intravenous gamma globulin and aspirin during the recovery phase and in subsequent years. Aspirin is prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots and the drug is not stopped until the aneurysm shrinks or goes away completely. Treatment takes place in a specialized clinic.
Scarlet fever
Streptococcal infection, which is accompanied by suppuration of the tonsils (sore throat), a red rash, swelling of the tongue, and high fever.
The tongue when affected by scarlet fever is bright burgundy, the rash is all over the body, which disappears without a trace on the 3rd day after its appearance. This is a reaction to a toxin formed during the breakdown of streptococcus in a child’s body.
Treatment is traditional, using antibiotics. Antiseptics are used locally.
If treatment is not started in a timely manner, complications occur, the walls of blood vessels become thinner, which can cause hemorrhage anywhere in the body and in the brain. The liver, adrenal glands and kidneys can also be affected by purulent inflammation. If treatment is delayed, pneumonia may develop.
Causes of appearance depend on the location and color of acne
Depending on where pimples are located in the oral cavity, you can understand the reason for their appearance, but only a doctor can accurately make a diagnosis based on laboratory tests of smears from the mucous membranes.
Under the tongue
If pimples appear under the tongue, this may indicate candidiasis, allergies, or herpetic infections. And also indicate diabetes mellitus, or a lack of B vitamins.
On the side
Pimples on the side of the tongue can also indicate viral infections, cancer pathogens, or mechanical damage.
Pimples on the tip
Most often, this is stomatitis caused by injury from rough food, such as seeds. Herpes is also possible.
Pimples on the root of the tongue
Infectious pimples such as streptococci are usually localized at the root. Possible sore throat, scarlet fever.
Yellow pimples
Yellow pimples, especially those with purulent contents, most often indicate the venereal nature of their appearance; it is necessary to consult a venereologist.
White pimples
Caused by candida fungus and require treatment for thrush. It may appear after mechanical trauma or biting.
Red pimples
Red pimples may indicate Kawasaki disease, herpetic rashes, and frequent consumption of spicy, hot foods. For frequent burns of the mucous membrane.
Black pimples
May be caused by cancerous lesions, or irritation when the tongue is pierced.
How to quickly get rid of acne, remedies and treatment
To quickly get rid of unpleasant sensations, you should use a simple rinsing method. For candidiasis, an alkaline solution, for all others, antiseptic liquids are suitable, except for peroxide, it dries out the mucous membrane. Furacilin, miramistin, chlorhexidine have proven themselves in eliminating unpleasant symptoms.
Healthy and balanced diet
When treating acne on the tongue, it is necessary to adhere to a diet that excludes rough foods, spicy, salty, and excessively hot dishes. And any products that can injure the oral mucosa.
Avoid smoking, as it provokes not only bad breath, but also cancerous tumors, necrosis of the papillae, which subsequently leads to inability to distinguish tastes.
Is it possible to treat acne on the tongue yourself?
In case of minor changes in the mucous membrane and errors in nutrition or damage to the mucous membrane, you can rinse the mouth with antiseptics and follow a “soft” diet for a couple of days, however, if neoplasms appear without objective reasons, it is necessary to show the pimples to the doctor, since early diagnosis of the disease leads to recovery in the vast majority cases. With extensive lesions, self-medication cannot be done. And the sooner the doctor prescribes treatment, the sooner recovery will occur.
Pimples on the tongue are called papillitis. The disease can cause both unbearable pain and mild itching. New growths are yellowish or reddish in color. By and large, acne goes away on its own, but in some cases people are forced to resort to alternative or drug treatment. Papillitis most often affects women and children; the resulting tubercles are not contagious and therefore are not transmitted by airborne droplets.
Traditional methods of dealing with acne on the tongue
- Salt. The first and fundamental way to eliminate tumors is considered to be saline solution. To prepare the composition, dissolve 20 g. crushed table salt in 250 ml. hot water, wait until the crystals dissolve and the solution cools. Take the liquid into your mouth, rinse the cavity for about 20-30 seconds, then spit it out and repeat the manipulations. Continue this process until you have used the entire glass. It is also worth rinsing your mouth after eating to prevent food debris from rotting on your tongue and teeth. The general frequency of the procedure varies from 4 to 6 times a day, and the same interval must be observed.
Drug treatment for acne on the tongue
- Steroids. It has been scientifically proven that the drug fights inflammation and neoplasms of the oral mucosa. There are a number of steroids available without a prescription that are worth focusing on. You can also consult a doctor so that a specialist can select the best medicine for you. Topical steroids contain hydrogen peroxide (not to be confused with peroxide), fluocionide and benzocaine. The most common and well-proven drugs are considered to be the following: “Betameson valerate” (dosage 0.1 mg), “Triamcinolone” or “Kenalog Orabaze” (0.5-1%), as well as “Hydrocortisone hemisuccinate”.
- Lozenges. At the pharmacy you will find sprays and lozenges that have an analgesic effect. They perfectly relieve swelling, reduce the size of acne and do not irritate the oral cavity when used in moderation. Be sure to refer to the instructions, where the manufacturer indicates the maximum daily dose and frequency of use. As a rule, tablets need to be dissolved every 3-4 hours, and sprays need to be used once every 2.5-3 hours. To avoid difficulty swallowing, suck the lozenges completely and do not chew or swallow them.
- Antihistamines. The most common cause of pimples on the tongue is food allergies. Antihistamines block receptors and completely stop the reaction. The drugs must be taken strictly according to the instructions, the dosage is calculated based on the weight and age of the patient. Before purchasing, read the “Composition” column; components such as Cetirizine and Diphenhydramine should be present there. Since antihistamines produce a sedative effect, it is recommended to refrain from driving, active mental and physical activity during treatment.
Chlorhexidine kills bacteria, relieves swelling, Benzidamine reduces pain and prevents further acne. Dilute 50 ml. drug in 200 ml. filtered water, rinse your mouth for 20-30 seconds. Repeat steps until you have used all the ingredients.
Pimples on the tongue may appear due to allergies to certain foods. In this case, it is necessary to remove allergens from your usual diet, at least until you get rid of the tumors. Use traditional or medicinal methods, watch the dosage.
Video: how to treat pipun using traditional methods
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If you notice red or yellow bumps on your tongue, you most likely have tongue papillitis. This condition is sometimes called “deception pimples” (adults tell children that pimples on the tongue appear when children tell lies). [1] Papillitis can cause mild discomfort or severe pain. [2] This disease is most often experienced by children and women. Recent studies have shown a relationship between papillitis and food allergies. [3] Tongue papillitis is not an infectious disease. Consult your doctor or dentist. The doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment for you. You can also use home remedies to treat pimples on tongue.