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Causes of a sore on the side of the tongue

A sore on the side of the tongue can develop for various reasons, including canker sores, cold sores, or a minor injury. Less commonly, a sore on the tongue may be a sign of cancer.

In some cases, severe, recurring, or persistent mouth sores can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

This article discusses possible symptoms of sores on the side of the tongue. It also looks at the common causes, treatments, and remedies for tongue sores, as well as when to speak to a doctor.

Signs and symptoms

Sores on the side of the tongue can look and feel different depending on what is causing them. They may be:

small and red

larger, with a white or gray center and red edges

open and bleeding

Sores on the side of the tongue can also occur alongside other symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Minor conditions are responsible for most mouth sores, but sores on the side of the tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition that may require medical attention.

Canker sores

Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are small harmless sores that can appear on the tongue. The symptoms of canker sores include:

small sores that begin as a red bump and then develop a white or gray center with flat red edges

pain and soreness

symptoms that worsen when a person eats salty, spicy, or acidic foods

Canker sores tend to heal on their own in 7–10 days. They are not contagious.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes canker sores, but the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) note that the following factors can trigger them:

minor injuries, such as biting the tongue, rubbing from braces or dentures, and food burns while eating

food intolerances or allergies

stress or tiredness

an iron or vitamin B12 deficiency

certain medications, such as beta-blockers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

stopping smoking

Hormonal changes, such as those that take place during pregnancy, and genetics can also make canker sores more likely for some people. Those with chronic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and celiac disease, may also experience them.

Treatment

There is no permanent cure for canker sores. Often, they heal on their own without medical treatment. However, there are ways to relieve the symptoms.

People can obtain over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), from a pharmacist. There are also topical products for canker sores that people apply inside the mouth to numb the pain.

Frequent canker sores may indicate an underlying condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, which may require medical attention.

Cold sores

Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that occur due to an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They typically appear around the mouth but sometimes develop on the tongue.

The symptoms of cold sores include:

a tingling or burning sensation before the cold sore develops

painful, fluid-filled blisters that rupture, leak fluid, and then scab over

sores that heal and then reappear, sometimes in response to stress or an illness

Some people also experience fever during cold sore flare-ups.

Cold sores take about 1 week to heal fully. During that time, they are contagious because the fluid inside them contains HSV. For this reason, it is important to avoid picking the sores and take steps to prevent HSV from transmitting others.

Treatment

There is no cure for cold sores, but for most people, neither the sores nor the virus causes serious problems. During cold sore flare-ups, people can use OTC pain medications to ease pain and swelling.

People with severe cold sores or a compromised immune system can obtain antiviral medication from a doctor. These medications shorten the duration of cold sores, but they do not entirely prevent them.

Oral lichen planus

Lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect the skin and the inside of the mouth. Oral lichen planus often only occurs inside the mouth, most often on the inside of the cheeks and the sides of the tongue.

The symptoms of lichen planus include:

painful ulcers

white or lace-like patches that itch

inflamed and peeling gums

raised red or purple areas on the body, which doctors call plaques

yellowish-brown plaques on the palms and soles

Several factors can contribute to lichen planus, including genetics, an injury inside the mouth, viral infections such as hepatitis C, and emotional or physical stress. The condition can clear within a few years, but for oral lichen planus, it often takes longer.

Treatment

Doctors can prescribe steroid medications to relieve the symptoms of lichen planus. Alternatively, they may recommend other medications and ointments.

Severe cases may require a combination of medications and different therapies, such as UV light therapy.

(11/28/2023)
by Medical News Today

More Information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sore-on-side-of-tongue

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