White Spots Beneath the Tongue and Mouth Floor
I’m a 26-year-old male weighing 85 kg, who neither smokes nor drinks, and I’m not currently taking any medications. I have a medical background that includes two surgeries in the oral region and the removal of a salivary gland due to persistent ranulas. Over the past few months, I’ve been experiencing small white spots under my tongue. These lesions appear intermittently; they fade away only to return later. It feels as though the upper layer of my tongue’s skin is perpetually irritated and peels off. Has anyone else encountered something similar or has any suggestions?
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 3:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
The presence of intermittent white spots beneath your tongue, especially in the context of a history of oral surgeries and salivary gland removal, can be concerning but may not necessarily indicate a serious issue. It's important to ensure we understand the potential causes and consider actionable steps to manage your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Intermittent white spots in your mouth can be due to various factors, including irritation, infections, or mucosal changes.
- Your history of oral procedures might contribute to sensitivity and changes in your oral environment.
- There are supportive measures you can take to help alleviate discomfort and monitor your symptoms.
Explanation:
-
Irritation and Inflammation: Given your history of surgeries, the area under your tongue might be more sensitive and prone to irritation. This can lead to the development of lesions that might appear as white spots.
-
Possible Causes: These spots could be related to:
- Mucositis: An inflammation of the mucous membranes, which can be caused by irritation or trauma.
- Oral Thrush: A yeast infection in the mouth, typically presenting as white patches.
- Contact Allergies: Certain foods, dental products, or irritants could be causing an allergic reaction.
- Lichen Planus: A chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the oral cavity.
-
Peeling Skin: The peeling of the skin on your tongue could be related to either a reaction or a type of oral mucosal condition.
Next Steps:
-
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Gently brush your tongue and use a mild mouthwash to keep the area clean, which may help reduce irritation. Avoid harsh or alcohol-based mouthwashes that can exacerbate dryness or irritation.
-
Monitor Changes: Keep a diary of any changes in the spots, noting when they appear or disappear, along with any potential triggers (e.g., new foods, stress, or dental products).
-
Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as this can help maintain oral mucosal health.
-
Diet Considerations: Pay attention to any foods that may irritate your mouth, such as spicy or acidic items, and try to avoid them temporarily to see if the condition improves.
-
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from hot foods or beverages that may aggravate the lesions.
-
Seek Help if Necessary: If the white spots persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms like pain, difficulty swallowing, or changes in taste, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or dentist for a thorough examination.
Feel free to reach out if you have more concerns or questions about this condition. Remember, your well-being is important, and monitoring your symptoms can provide valuable information for any necessary follow-up.
Related Questions
Fear of Bats and Rabies: A Personal Struggle
At 20 years old, I find myself in a distressing situation. Currently residing on the 8th floor of an apartment building in Brazil, I've called this place home for two years. The property is enveloped by towering trees, which seem to create the perfect environment for bats, as I frequently hear their shrill cries just outside my window every few minutes. My fear of these creatures is primarily rooted in the risk of rabies. Until recently, I used to sleep with my bathroom window open, a 50 by 60-centimeter opening, but that changed a week ago when my anxiety about bats escalated. The nagging worry that I may have unknowingly been bitten by one of these bats has taken over my thoughts. It's crucial to clarify that, as of now, I haven't spotted a bat or experienced a discernible bite; however, this lack of evidence only heightens my anxiety. What if one slipped in undetected? What if it did bite me while I was asleep, and I was completely oblivious to it? At home, I typically wear flip-flops, which is a common practice here. Additionally, my bathroom features an under-sink cabinet with a gap of about 50 centimeters high and 1 meter wide at its base. Unfortunately, I can't see what lurks beneath this space, and it terrifies me to think a bat might be hiding there, having bitten me unnoticed before flying away. This preoccupation has consumed me entirely. I am torn between questioning if my anxiety is justified or if there is indeed a genuine threat looming over me. I feel the need to share my turmoil, as I am at my breaking point. Apologies if this isn't the right platform to express myself. This past week, I've barely managed to get about four hours of sleep over three nights, and I truly can't handle this any longer.
Diagnosis of Strep A and Recommendations for Home Recovery
A 35-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 137 pounds, presented with health concerns. She is a smoker and is currently on a medication regimen that includes Amoxicillin at 500mg three times daily, along with clonazepam, Prozac, Abilify, and Pepcid. Recently, she visited the emergency room due to experiencing an elevated heart rate and shortness of breath. Initial laboratory tests revealed a white blood cell count of 16.7, prompting further investigation. The respiratory panel came back negative, but the tests were positive for Strep A. After discussing the findings, the attending physician informed her that treatment with Amoxicillin would commence. She also received intravenous fluids as part of her care. Following treatment, her heart rate decreased from 115 beats per minute to 90. However, she remained febrile at the time of her discharge. The doctor advised that she must remain at home for a duration of two weeks, citing her elevated white blood cell count as a concern. She was instructed to have close follow-up appointments with her primary care provider to monitor her blood counts diligently. The doctor cautioned that contracting a cold, influenza, or COVID-19 during this time could significantly increase the risk of hospitalization, possibly lasting a week or more. It's important to note that she has no known chronic illnesses, including diabetes or any immune deficiencies. This raised her concern about the doctor's recommendation for an extended period of at-home rest. She is seeking clarification on whether this course of action is standard practice in similar situations.
Could This Be Eczema?
The subject in question is an 11-year-old boy who presents with a persistent itchy, red rash accompanied by inflammation and small bumps. Two pediatric specialists have diagnosed him with eczema. This condition seems to worsen during the winter months. In contrast, during the other seasons, the affected area appears rough and shows slight hyperpigmentation, but it remains free of redness and inflammation, and there are no symptoms during this time. Various treatments, including hydrocortisone, Duoderm, and Eucerin eczema lotion, have proven ineffective against the rash. For today, I have received a delivery from Amazon that includes Gold Bond medicated eczema relief lotion, white cotton gloves, and a non-soap hand cleanser. He is very particular about washing his hands after every restroom visit. I would appreciate your input and advice on whether I am on the right track with the treatment plan. Thank you for your assistance.
Unexplained Urticaria Episodes
A 28-year-old woman, measuring 158 cm and weighing 72 kg, has been experiencing episodes of urticaria for the past month without any obvious cause. The issue began following a localized reaction to her migraine treatment, particularly the medication erenumab. Generally, she has minor reactions to this injection; however, the last two doses have led to significant flare-ups. Subsequently, she began to notice hives appearing sporadically, primarily without identifiable triggers. These episodes tend to intensify during the night but usually subside after taking cetirizine, an antihistamine. Additionally, she has known drug allergies to ciprofloxacin and penicillin. Recently, after taking cefpodoxime, she developed a rash within a few hours, although cefixime did not provoke any adverse reactions.
Concern Over Possible Botulism Exposure: Seeking Guidance
Greetings, everyone! I'm a 37-year-old male, weighing approximately 80 kilograms and standing at about 1.75 meters tall. To provide some context, I'm currently visiting a friend in another country, but I don’t have any travel health insurance. My friend had to work through the weekend and encouraged me to help myself to whatever food I found in her refrigerator. Upon arriving, I discovered some gravy that appeared and smelled fine. I decided to prepare some frozen fries in the oven while simultaneously heating the gravy in a dish, which I placed in the oven at a temperature of around 225 degrees Celsius. Following the instructions, I set a timer for 20 minutes when cooking the fries. However, when the timer went off, the fries didn’t seem fully cooked. I opted to give them an additional 10 to 15 minutes to bake (the gravy was still on the bottom, and I had completely forgotten about it). Eventually, the fries emerged from the oven, slightly overdone, but I didn't mind. Upon pulling everything out, I noticed that the gravy had begun to burn and char during the process. Afterward, I proceeded to eat the fries along with some of the gravy, which had turned into a paste-like consistency. I later called my friend to catch up and mention what I had for dinner. To my dismay, she panicked when I mentioned the gravy, informing me that it was actually 12 days old and stored in a plastic container. Now I’m left worried about my situation. How serious is this? To provide additional context: - It’s been 12 hours since I consumed the food, and I have not yet experienced any symptoms. What signs should I be vigilant for? - I heated the gravy thoroughly; it was in the oven for over 30 minutes, and the edges of the plate were charred. - Prior to this meal, I hadn't eaten anything for nearly 24 hours, so I'm hoping my stomach's acidity might be a protective factor. I didn't consume a large amount, discarding approximately half of what I had. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding this situation.