Seeking Advice for My Tongue Issues
Age: 16, height: 5'5", weight: approximately 150 pounds. For some time, I've been experiencing these symptoms. Yesterday morning, I woke to significant discomfort on my tongue, which was accompanied by red spots. They didn’t appear to be anything alarming, yet there was a resemblance to a cold sore or some irritation occurring. I rinsed my mouth with hydrogen peroxide, taking care not to swallow any. Additionally, I used an antibacterial mouthwash and salt water. However, when I woke up this morning, the pain had intensified. It looked almost like a blister, covered with a yellowish film. When I shone a flashlight on it, it seemed as though the skin on my tongue was deteriorating. I wish I could convey this more clearly with an image, but it's quite painful; nearly half of my tongue feels affected. I am wondering if I should consult a healthcare professional or if I should continue the current treatment and see if there’s any improvement.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 9:40:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning issue with your tongue that's causing both discomfort and distress. The symptoms you describe, including the red spots, pain, and yellowish film, suggest that there could be an inflamed irritation, infection, or possibly another underlying condition.
Explanation: Several factors can lead to similar tongue symptoms, including infections (like viral or bacterial), irritation from substances (like certain foods or medications), or even a condition like oral thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. The blister-like appearance and pain you're describing could indicate a more serious issue, especially since it has worsened overnight.
Next Steps:
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Stop Irritative Treatments: While rinsing with hydrogen peroxide and strong mouthwashes can sometimes help, they can also irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth further. Avoid using these products for now to prevent additional irritation.
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Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to use a gentle salt water rinse to soothe your tongue, but limit any abrasive treatment. Brush your teeth gently and remain hydrated.
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Identify Possible Triggers: Consider any recent dietary changes, new oral products, or injuries to the tongue that may have caused this reaction.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to your symptoms over the next 24-48 hours. If you notice fever, ongoing pain, spreading of the symptoms, or difficulty eating or drinking, it would be wise to seek professional medical advice sooner.
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Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given that your symptoms have intensified and are affecting a large area of your tongue, it's important to see a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper evaluation, possibly perform tests, and prescribe medications if necessary, especially if an infection is involved.
It's understandable to feel anxious about this situation, but taking the above steps will help you manage your discomfort while ensuring you seek the appropriate care as needed.
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