These areas of papillae loss are called denuded. Denuded areas may persist for more than a month. Occasionally, mild irritation of the tongue is reported. No tests are usually necessary. There is no treatment.
Geographic tongue is a benign condition, but it can be persistent.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of geographic tongue persist for longer than 10 days. Call your health care provider if tongue swelling is severe and breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing difficulties are present. Blockage of the airway is an emergency situation that needs immediate attention. Geographic tongue is a descriptive term for the map-like appearance of some people's tongues. The borders may change fairly rapidly.