From the Research
There is no strong evidence that systemic corticosteroids cause geographic tongue. Geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis) is a common, harmless condition characterized by patchy areas on the tongue surface that appear smooth and red with well-defined borders. While the exact cause of geographic tongue remains unclear, it is generally associated with factors such as vitamin deficiencies, allergies, stress, hormonal changes, and certain inflammatory conditions like psoriasis. Some key points to consider about geographic tongue include:
- It is a benign condition that does not typically require treatment, as it is often asymptomatic and can resolve on its own 1.
- The condition can be associated with other disorders, such as psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal diseases 2.
- Systemic corticosteroids, such as prednisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone, are actually sometimes used to treat severe or symptomatic cases of geographic tongue due to their anti-inflammatory properties, rather than being a cause of the condition 3.
- If you're experiencing geographic tongue symptoms while taking corticosteroids, it's more likely coincidental or related to the underlying condition for which you're taking the steroids, rather than being caused by the medication itself.
- The diagnosis of geographic tongue is mainly clinical, and it is necessary to understand the condition due to the comorbid intraoral and extraoral diseases that accompany it 1. In fact, these medications might temporarily improve the appearance of geographic tongue in some patients. If you're concerned about your symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management, as they can provide guidance on the best course of treatment and help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms 4.