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How can psoriasis affect the mouth and tongue?

Psoriasis can affect any area of the body, including the mouth and tongue. The condition can cause cracks on the tongue or smooth patches, a complication called geographic tongue.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes a person’s skin to grow faster than average, resulting in changes in skin color and, often, scaly patches.

These patches can form anywhere on the body. Less frequently, psoriasis affects the mouth. Oral psoriasis can cause discolored patches with yellow or white edges to form on the tongue.

Psoriasis can cause noticeable changes in the tongue’s color, texture, and feeling.

For example, people with psoriasis are more likely to develop an inflammatory condition called geographic tongue.

Although psoriasis on the tongue is rare, symptoms include:

discolored patches with yellow or white borders

swelling and discoloration on the tongue

smooth patches

fissures or cracks in the surface of the tongue

Psoriasis on the tongue can be tricky to diagnose because signs may be mild or even unnoticeable. However, for some people, these symptoms can lead to pain or swelling so severe that it makes eating or drinking difficult.

A thorough examination and testing can help a doctor determine if a person with a geographic tongue has oral psoriasis.

How does psoriasis affect the mouth, gums, and lips?

Psoriasis typically does not affect the mouth. When it does, people may experienceTrusted Source the following symptoms:

peeling skin on the gums

sores or pustules in or around the mouth

pain or a burning sensation when eating hot or spicy foods

a noticeable change in taste

In most cases, the patches or sores will appear inside the cheeks.

Risk factors for psoriasis on the tongue

To develop psoriasis, a person must have at least one relevant gene and experience exposure to triggers.

Several factors can triggerTrusted Source psoriasis, including:

stress

medications

infection

injury to the skin

Psoriasis may affect only one area of the body or several, and it may arise in new places. No matter where it occurs, psoriasis is not contagious, so a person cannot pass on the condition to others.

Treatment

Many treatments can helpTrusted Source people manage their psoriasis symptoms.

Oral psoriasis sometimes requires no treatment. However, consult a doctor if the symptoms interfere with daily activities.

For people with oral psoriasis, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or topical anesthetics such as lidocaine. These medications can help reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier to eat and drink.

A person may notice improvements in oral psoriasis if they treat body-wide symptoms. Typically, when treating psoriasis, a doctor will prescribe medications such as:

non-biological medications, such as methotrexate

biological treatments, such as guselkumab

acitretin

cyclosporine

phototherapy

topical treatments such as steroid creams, emollients, or ointments

Prevention

To prevent psoriasis symptoms from flaring up, it can help to avoid triggers. For psoriasis on the tongue, a person can:

avoid spicy or very hot foods

quit smoking

use mouth rinses

practice good oral hygiene

It can also help to reduce stress, which can worsen symptoms.

(09/04/2024)
by Medical News Today

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