Migrating glossitis or stomatitis

Migrating glossitis or stomatitis is also defined as ‘geographic tongue’ or ‘migrating erythema’; it is a developmental defect whose cause is still unknown. Migrating glossitis presents with erythematous areas (patches or plaques) on the upper surface of the tongue, where there is a loss of lingual papillae, and it is surrounded by whitish margins with a tree-like aspect. The lesions do not tend to remain in one location, and can be located in various areas of the upper surface of the tongue. They are asymptomatic or markedly symptomatic (with a burning sensation), being subject to periods of remission and new acute episodes, especially following the consumption of hot (temperature) or spicy food. Migrating glossitis or stomatitis is a benign condition which does not require treatment, unless there is the possibility of a superinfection.