Geographic tongue

**Definition:** A condition characterised by migratory glossitis and loss of dorsal papillae with a map-like appearance that gives origin to the name.

**Long definition:** Patches on the tongue; Tongue - patchy; Benign migratory glossitis; Glossitis - benign migratory. Geographic tongue is a map-like appearance of the tongue due to irregular patches on its surface. The condition appears to be less common in smokers. The pattern on the surface of the tongue may change very rapidly. These areas are said to be "denuded." Denuded areas may persist for more than a month.

**Inclusions:** - Benign migratory glossitis - Erythema migrans of tongue - Glossitis areata exfoliativa