[HappyHopefulMommy]

OK - I know this will sound kind of weird. I just called the pediatricains office and they said the Dr. would call me later today. My fost/adopt daugther that we have had for 6 weeks has this really weird thing on her tongue. She has 2 spots that are pretty circular and it looks like the skin is falling off. There are no taste buds in these spots. They are growing and now take up about half of her tongue. She says is hurts, but if I touch it or she eats or I brush it when I brush her teeth she does not even cringe, so I don't think it actually hurts. It is just so ODD. And it is not a burn. I have no choice, but to keep her on the state medi-cal insurance right now since she is "foster" (and I can't stand it). The Dr.'s office was pretty useless. I was trying to get her in for an appt and they said the Dr. would call me later. When I had to take her in for a check up, I had an appt. and had to wait 2 hours and then another 45 minutes in the exam room, it was awful. But I can not find another Dr. to take medi-cal so I am stuck with them for now. Has anyone seen this on a child (oh - she is 5) or have any advice.

[emtb79]

I would google it. I have found pretty good visuals when i do a google search.

[Stormster]

Is she sick otherwise? When E had Coxsackie Virus he had ulcers in his mouth (he also had 104 fever!)

[HappyHopefulMommy]

She is totally healthy otherwise. The Dr. just called and said it is "geograhic" tongue. It is no big deal and nothing can be done about it. It is just like having freckles. But people can get red or white spots on their tongues. It is so weird looking, but I am glad it is nothing to worry about. I think I will google it though to make sure that hers looks like geographic tongue -thanks.

[chrisandaaron]

That's weird. I"ve never heard of that. Definitely google it to make sure.

[Mykidsmom]

My son has this,geographic tongue. He was adopted before the age of one and he is now age 8. His is looks more like a map or shape of a country. The skin does not come off nor appear that way. He has never had any problems concerning this.

[JenC]

If you would have better luck getting her into a dentist, they would also be able to tell you what it was. I'm not entirely convinced it's geographic tongue since it appears to be spreading. Good luck!

Jenny

[hockeywoman]

I have geographic tongue as well, it's usually not painful but sometimes after I've eaten really spicy food or had a new spot appear it hurts for about 24 hours.

I have a family HX of mouth cancers however, so I do have to watch that its not developing as a tumor, but most cases are benign.

[taramayrn]

Are the spots white? Could be trush (yeast).

[Happy123]

My son has the exact thing on his tongue...just looks wierd, but harmless.
From your dr visit, I wonder if you are in central CA. I am and had similar experiences as you. I do know of a clinic that is faster if you are around Fresno.
Happy123

[mommmmy]

I've always had geographic tongue. No pain involved and as far as I know...it's never spread.

My tongue is pretty funky looking in general.

My daughter has it also but her tongue looks normal just with weird patches on it.

I would really have her checked given there is pain and spreading. First thing I thought of is thrush which might be unusual for an older child...but possible. The other thing with them being circular...maybe ring worm?

[HappyHopefulMommy]

Happy 123 - We are in the Sacramento area. Hopefully I can find a better Dr. though - thanks.

After looking at pictures online and googling information we are sure it is geographic tongue. We were just looking through paperwork and younger sister (who we also have) has notes in her paperwork saying that she has geographic tongue too.

mommmmy - Is it hereditary? I am guessing it coud be since you and your daugther have it? "T"'s tongue looks very normal just with those "bald" patches. But I said it was growing because they were kind of forming into one instead of 2. But from reading it says that it can grow and change and come and go. She is not in pain at all, She said she was but I think she was just saying that. Because tonight I was brushing her teeth (and tongue) and she said it did not hurt. Thanks for all the replies - who needs Dr's any ways?? (ha-ha) I've got you guys.

[mommmmy]

I would guess it is hereditary... and if I remember correctly when one doc said something about my daughter having it and I said oh I have that he said - well there you go.

After I responded later I thought - you know it probably has changed over time but I dont really pay any attention. And I know that with my daughter it wasn't really noticable until more recently.