Etiology • Unknown; may be familial • May be related to atopy • Small percentage associated with cutaneous psoriasis
Clinical Presentation • May be symptomatic in association with spicy or acidic foods • Focal red depapillated areas bordered by slightly elevated,
yellowish margin • Dynamic behavior: changes in shape, size, intensity day to day • Dorsal and lateral tongue surfaces affected predominantly • Ventral tongue and other areas less often involved • Often associated with fissured tongue
Diagnosis • Location and appearance • Biopsy confirmation usually unnecessary
Clinical Presentation • May be symptomatic in association with spicy or acidic foods • Focal red depapillated areas bordered by slightly elevated,
yellowish margin • Dynamic behavior: changes in shape, size, intensity day to day • Dorsal and lateral tongue surfaces affected predominantly • Ventral tongue and other areas less often involved • Often associated with fissured tongue
Diagnosis • Location and appearance • Biopsy confirmation usually unnecessary
Prognosis • Excellent • No malignant potential • May last months to years with periods of remissionDifferential Diagnosis • Reiter’s syndrome • Lichen planus • Lupus erythematosus • Candidiasis • Psoriasis
Treatment • None, if asymptomatic • Topical corticosteroids, if symptomaticPrognosis • Excellent • No malignant potential • May last months to years with periods of remission