Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fast cell growth on the skin. Patches of red, scaly skin develop as skin cells amass. These patches can appear on your body in any location, including your mouth.
Psoriasis can also affect the tongue, albeit it’s uncommon. An inflammatory illness affecting the sides and top of the tongue may be linked to psoriasis on the tongue. Geographic tongue is the name for this disorder.
Symptoms Of Psoriasis On The Tongue
Because the symptoms of psoriasis on the tongue might be subtle or even invisible, it can be challenging to diagnose. However, these symptoms might cause extreme pain or swelling for some people, making it impossible to eat or drink.
The following are some of the symptoms of psoriasis on the tongue:
- Bordered in red with yellow or white
- On the tongue, there is swelling and redness.
- Smooth spots, fissures, or cracks on the tongue’s surface.
Risk Factors
Psoriasis has no recognized cause; however, there is a hereditary relationship. An overly reactive immune system also characterizes psoriasis. Flare-ups appear to be triggered by specific triggers in certain people, such as emotional stress, illness, or injury.
Psoriasis can develop in any part of the body. Doctors aren’t sure why it flares up in certain people’s mouths or tongues, but it’s an unusual spot. Psoriasis can affect one or more areas of the body, and it might appear in unexpected places. Psoriasis is not communicable and cannot be passed on to others, regardless of where it develops.
What are the treatments available for tongue psoriasis?
The diagnosis of psoriasis in or around the mouth can be difficult. For starters, it’s uncommon, so doctors don’t see it all that often. It might also resemble other illnesses such as thrush or eczema. However, if you’ve been diagnosed and have trouble sleeping, treatments are available to help you feel better.
Psoriasis is a long-term illness. Psoriasis will never go away completely, even with treatment. As a result, treatment seeks to alleviate symptoms while also assisting the disease’s remission. A time of little or no disease activity is referred to as remission. There are fewer symptoms as a result of this.
Psoriasis can be treated with a variety of methods, including oral medicines. Oral medications are a type of systemic treatment, meaning they affect your entire body. Because these medications are so powerful, doctors usually only use them to treat severe psoriasis. These medications are often reserved for those who have had little success with previous psoriasis therapies. Unfortunately, they can result in a wide range of adverse effects and problems. They are as follows:
- over the counter steroid creams
- cyclosporin (Gengraf)
- apremilast (Otezla)
- acitretin (Soriatane)
- methotrexate (Trexall)
To relieve discomfort, your healthcare professional may advise you to rinse your mouth often with alkaline solutions or ones containing an anesthetic such as lidocaine.
Keep in mind that there are things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms. It is critical to maintaining appropriate dental hygiene at all times. Learn how to stay away from common irritants. Smoking, alcohol, spicy meals, and dentures or braces can irritate the skin and induce psoriasis flare-ups.
Conclusion
Psoriasis has no known cure. On the other hand, treatment can assist you in properly managing the disease and alleviating its symptoms. However, there’s no way of knowing if you’ll have any further tongue flare-ups. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that lasts a lifetime. It’s critical to locate a dermatologist who can help you monitor and manage your condition.
Psoriasis can make you feel self-conscious, which can lead to feelings of melancholy or isolation. Tell your doctor if your psoriasis is affecting your quality of life. You might also wish to look for local or online support groups for people dealing with psoriasis.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-on-the-tongue#outlook
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/psoriasis/how-psoriasis-affects-the-tongue-and-mouth
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
