Question
A nine-month-old child has an irregular red and white pattern on the surface of their tongue, resembling a map. How should this condition be treated?
Answer
This condition is medically referred to as “glossitis.” The appearance of glossitis is often related to a child’s weak constitution and may be associated with factors such as fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, poor digestion, intestinal parasites, or a lack of vitamin B group. In most cases, the child does not experience significant discomfort, only mild pain or itching or slight sensitivity to irritating food. Glossitis may persist for several years and, as the child grows older, it usually resolves naturally. Therefore, in general, parents do not need to be overly concerned.