Erythema Migrans
Pronunciation: er-ih-THEE-mah MY-granz
A benign inflammatory condition of the tongue characterised by irregular, migratory red patches with white or yellow borders, also known as geographic tongue.
Full Definition
Oral erythema migrans, commonly referred to as geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis, presents as well-demarcated erythematous areas on the dorsal and lateral tongue that shift in location over days or weeks, giving the characteristic 'map-like' appearance. Histologically there is loss of filiform papillae within the affected zones, which accounts for the smooth, red surface. The condition is generally asymptomatic but may cause sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods. Editors must be vigilant about the confusable 'erythema migrans' as used in infectious disease contexts, where the same term refers to the expanding skin lesion of Lyme disease; in oral medicine documents the modifier 'oral' or 'lingual' is recommended to avoid ambiguity. The synonym 'geographic tongue' is acceptable in semi-formal clinical notes.
Usage
Usage note: Qualify with 'oral' or 'lingual' in oral medicine documents to distinguish from the Lyme disease skin lesion of the same name.
In Context
- "The patient was reassured that oral erythema migrans, while striking in appearance, is a benign and self-limiting condition." — Oral medicine clinic letter
- "Geographic tongue is the colloquial term for erythema migrans of the oral mucosa and is acceptable in semi-formal communications." — Editorial style guide