Blisters can occur virtually anywhere on and in the body. From time to time, blisters also form on the tongue. One distinguishes different forms and thus different causes. In most cases, the formation of blisters on the tongue is painful.
What are blisters on the tongue?
Vesicles on the tongue occur at the tip, edges, and base of the tongue. Vesicles have a surface that is translucent or appears transparent. Since a vesicle is by definition small, in medical terminology it is a vesicle. One speaks of blisters only from a size of five millimeters. On the tongue, this size is very rare. Vesicles on the tongue occur at the tip, edges and base of the tongue. Vesicles have a surface that is transparent or appears translucent. Often the cavity below the surface is filled with fluid. Usually, this is water or pus. You have to differentiate the vesicle from the nodule. The biggest difference between the two is that the nodule is not filled, but is made entirely of tissue. Most blisters come suddenly and go quickly. In addition, almost all forms are harmless. Exceptions are found mainly where the vesicles occur as a secondary symptom of a serious disease, for example, in the course of chemotherapy for cancer or tuberculosis. Vesicles on the tongue often interfere with speaking, chewing and also swallowing.
Causes
As mentioned earlier, herpes viruses may be the reason for a whitish-yellowish row-like vesicle on the tongue. Aphtae can occur throughout the mouth, including directly on the tongue. Here, the blisters are usually particularly painful. Blisters can also form on the tongue due to intolerances. A substance, usually a food, often kiwi or pineapple, triggers a local allergic reaction. A blister forms where the tongue has come into contact with the substance. A similar situation occurs with hypersensitivity to histamine. If the taste buds are overstimulated, a vesicle may also form. “Lying vesicles” is the name given to a special type of inflammation of the taste buds. The blisters are yellow or red and small. They are somewhat painful and are located on the outer sides of the tongue and on the tip of the tongue. Whitish vesicles may appear as an expression of immunodeficiency and are caused by Candida infestation. Vesicles on the tongue as an accompanying symptom are found in oral cancer, syphilis, in tuberculosis and in chemotherapy.
Diseases with this symptom
- Mouth cancer
- Syphilis
- Herpes simplex
- Bacterial infection
- Aphtae
- Histamine intolerance
Diagnosis and course of the disease
Vesicles on the tongue do not require a trip to the doctor in all cases. However, self-diagnosis is often very difficult, because many parts of the tongue are difficult to see. As a rule, symmetrically occurring changes on the tongue are not considered serious. Also harmless are blisters, which one gets without any doubt after contact with a certain substance. In case of anything that seems inexplicable and alarming, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is especially important in case of open and or painless blisters and all whitish and red changes. The doctor will examine the changes and, if indicated, take a swab. If the doctor has a suspicion as to what the trigger is, he will ask questions to substantiate or dispel it. The blisters on the tongue usually disappear on their own. Sometimes it is necessary to improve the underlying disease. Of course, one can provide assistance to speed healing and sometimes eliminate the cause.
Complications
Several complications can occur in connection with vesicles on the tongue. Vesicles on the tongue are usually harmless, but quite painful and can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and swallowing. Swelling may also occur. Vesicles often heal on their own, but they can recur. It is usually quite difficult to diagnose on your own, as large parts of the tongue itself are difficult to see. A visit to the doctor is not always necessary in the case of blisters on the tongue, but it is definitely recommended in the case of worrying signs.If a vesicle is open or shows whitish or reddish changes, a swab should be taken and the vesicle treated according to cause. If blisters on the tongue are treated too late or not properly, a bacterial infection may be added to the existing condition. If herpes is the trigger for the blisters, the infectious disease can spread throughout the body. The viruses are carried from the tongue vesicles and can then threaten the eyes or nose, for example. Complications from the treatment of vesicles are extremely rare. If tinctures or creams are not enough, local anesthetics, antibiotics or gargles can help. Surgeries are rarely performed. In most cases, it is then also not only the blisters that make surgery necessary.
When should you go to the doctor?
Vesicles on the tongue are located at the tip of the tongue, the edges of the tongue or at the base of the tongue. At the same time, they are usually quite painful. The vesicles on the tongue are filled with a liquid, which is almost always water or pus. The liquid-filled tongue vesicles are to be distinguished from the tongue nodules consisting of tissue. The small vesicles on the tongue are generally harmless. They appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. Occasionally, however, vesicles on the tongue represent the symptom of an underlying disease. This is especially true in cases of tuberculosis as well as cancer and associated chemotherapy. Herpes viruses, aphthae, histamine hypersensitivity and immune deficiency can also lead to the formation of tongue vesicles. In addition, cigarette and drug use are known possible triggers of vesicles on the tongue. Since blisters on the tongue hurt and also affect chewing, swallowing and speaking, affected persons should consult their family doctor. His diagnosis determines the further course of treatment. The general practitioner may consult other specialists such as an internist or oncologist. Helpful against vesicles on the tongue is also a knowledgeable and attentive oral hygiene.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment for vesicles on the tongue is strictly cause-related. In the case of aphthae formation, creams, or better tinctures are usually sufficient. Tinctures are more comfortable on the tongue than creams and have been found to work better in practice. The tinctures are simply dabbed on. Often the tinctures are purely herbal, for example, arnica or rhubarb root extract. For pain, cold compresses can bring relief. If this is not enough, applying a topical anesthetic will help with severe pain. Gargle solutions also reach remote places of the tongue. They are antiseptic, also due to the high alcohol content, and have a cleansing effect, especially on open wounds. Thus, an additional infection cannot settle on the existing disease. These liquid tinctures are often well suited as a useful supplement. If herpes is the trigger of the blisters, a close observation of the development is important. Herpes can spread practically anywhere in the body and thus also endanger the eye, for example. Locally, antivirals are used on the tongue. In case of bacterial infections, a local or orally taken antibiotic can be used. Tuberculosis sometimes necessitates the use of lasers. Complications of treatment are rare. Surgeries on the tongue are very rare, especially then it is usually not the vesicles alone that make them necessary.
Outlook and prognosis
Vesicles on the tongue arise relatively often and are the precursor to a cold or flu. However, they also disappear quickly once the cold or flu is over. The blisters themselves can be painful, especially when food and drink come into contact with the affected area. In a few cases, inflammation can form on the tongue if the area with the blisters is heavily used. On the other hand, blisters on the tongue can also be a sign of poor oral hygiene. In this case, a mouthwash can be used. Ordinary brushing of the teeth also prevents the development of such vesicles to some extent, as it counteracts the susceptibility to infection overall. In case of acute inflammation, a doctor should be consulted, as the tongue is very sensitive and can be injured relatively easily. A doctor must also be consulted if the blisters do not subside after the cold.They may also indicate an intolerance or intolerance. In most cases, the course of the disease is positive and leads to a healthy tongue without the need for medical intervention. Treatment with medication is done by taking tablets and does not lead to further complications.
Prevention
The most important factors for prevention are in our own hands: comprehensive, continuous oral hygiene and a healthy diet. If we know the cause of the blisters, we can avoid the trigger. This is particularly easy in the case of allergic reactions to certain foods, which cause aphthae to form on the tongue. With herpes, for example, this is more difficult. Once it is in the body, it can break out again at any time. It often does so at times when the immune system is particularly weakened by stress or other illnesses.
What you can do yourself
Blisters on the tongue are extremely painful, which is why painkilling preparations are often used. Furthermore, careful oral hygiene is essential. This helps to prevent infections and accelerates healing. Those affected can treat blisters on the tongue themselves. Mouthwashes with arnica, mallow, sage and chamomile are worth mentioning. Tinctures of rhubarb root extract or myrrh are also advisable. To counteract aphthae, chewing on blueberries is recommended. These have an anti-inflammatory effect due to their tannin content. In addition, numerous gargles and mouth rinses from the pharmacy provide relief. Like tea tree oil, they disinfect and help to relieve pain. Anesthetic ointments and gels are also useful. They have far fewer side effects than painkillers. If only tiny blisters are visible on the tongue, sucking ice cubes helps. Heavily salted and sweetened foods should be avoided, as they often aggravate the pain. Sufferers among themselves recommend countless home remedies, which, however, have not been proven by studies. These include the daily consumption of half a raw onion. The intake of zinc, calcium and folic acid tablets is also frequently mentioned. Many sufferers report a cure with lemon juice.
