Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Does anyone have any idea why my tongue often looks like this?

7 replies

MrsBrambles · 22/02/2026 17:21

Apologies in advance for the horrible pics but I'm at a loss here.

I've shown these photos to my previous GP several times in the last few years and even to my new GP but they don't seem interested or concerned at all.

My tongue often looks like this, I'd say several times a month. I can not for the life of me come to any solid conclusions as to what is causing it. I am not on any medications, I am careful not to eat anything spicy or too acidic as I have IBS so have to follow a basic bland diet. I only drink water, so no alcohol or hot drinks and I'm careful not to eat my food too hot. It's sore and my tongue will often feel dry as well as a raspy feeling at the back of my throat.

All blood tests such as iron levels, B12, thyroid etc all return as normal yet it flares up every few weeks and years later I'm still none the wiser.

As I say, I do have IBS as well as acid indigestion (a recent gastroscope was completely clear). I also have endometriosis and adenomyosis, anxiety and depression but I'm certain there's little correlation between those issues and a sore marked tongue - is there?

Any clues as to what may be causing it all?

Again, sorry for awful pics of my mouth 😳

Does anyone have any idea why my tongue often looks like this?
Does anyone have any idea why my tongue often looks like this?
Does anyone have any idea why my tongue often looks like this?
OP posts:
Boojifulmartin · 22/02/2026 17:30

Geographic tongue

Sailawaygirl · 22/02/2026 17:32

Yes agree.. Google geographic tongue..

AnotherVice · 22/02/2026 17:34

I was going to say geographic tongue before I even saw the pictures!

MrsBrambles · 22/02/2026 17:44

Thank you everyone. Off to Google…..

OP posts:
MrsBrambles · 22/02/2026 17:46

Yes, does look as though it could be geographic tongue.

OP posts:
atiaofthejulii · 22/02/2026 17:51

AnotherVice · 22/02/2026 17:34

I was going to say geographic tongue before I even saw the pictures!

Me too.

Zinc can help.

MrsBrambles · 22/02/2026 18:06

atiaofthejulii · 22/02/2026 17:51

Me too.

Zinc can help.

Thank you, I’ll get some.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page