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What Causes White Spots On Sides Of Tongue?

Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2014

Question: Hello. Im concerned about these white spots on the sides of my tongue. They arent painful, my tomgue isnt sore, they domt scrape off. I recently stopped taking bactrim for a bacterial infection. I took it 2x a day for ten days. On the ninth day, i had a severe reaction to the medication. Chills, rash, flush, lightheaded. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Oral thrush...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

I have gone through the query and examined the photo thoroughly. The white patches seen on the sides of the tongue are oral thrush (also known as oral candidiasis).

Candid or the fungal infection is an opportunistic infection which is seen when the body immunity drops down. To name a few conditions:
1. Individuals on long term antibiotics
2. Individuals receiving chemotherapy
3. Low immunity levels in the body, such as HIV, leukemia, etc.
4. Uncontrolled diabetes
5. Patients on dialysis

Do not worry! With appropriate medicines, this can be taken care of.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink lots of warm water
2. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
3. Try taking oral nystatin lotion or gel
4. Oral fluconazole will relieve the symptoms faster

Consult your doctor and discuss with him about the above problem.

Hope I have answered your query and I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (14 minutes later)

So this is would be related to taking the antibiotics? I have been off the Bactrim since last Tuesday. I also amoked marijuana for the first time last night. Stupid i know. Where can i find oral nystatin lotion or gel? Im very concerned .

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nystatin mouth pain is a OTC medicine...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes, it could be because of the antibiotics. Nystatin mouth pain is a OTC medicine. If you are not able to get one without prescription, please consult your doctor. Do not worry! This is a very simple and one of the commonest infections; with appropriate medicines, you will become alright.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & NEck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (24 minutes later)

Will i need to visit my doctor or could i call amd say ive developed thrush? Could he call in a prescription? Should i go to the specialist who prescribed the antibiotic or see my regular doctor?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Your regular doctor can help you...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

As this not an emergency condition, you can visit your doctor tomorrow, get it reconfirmed and take the necessary medicines.

Do not worry! It's a completely treatable cause. Wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (38 hours later)

Hello again. My doctor is not availablw until next week. Ive made an appointment. Is there anything i can do at home until then? Thank you .

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try dilute povidone iodine mouth washes...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back.

You can check out with your pharmacy whether you can get nystatin mouth paint OTC, if not, try using dilute povidone iodine mouth washes, which may be of some help to you.

Drink plenty of warm water, eat soft and nutritious food; avoid oily/spicy food/coffee/tea/chilled food and beverages.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Thank you. I am so concerned .

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Good luck...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I do understand your apprehension. Please do not worry about this, it's a very simple and common problem. I bet, with appropriate medicines it will completely clear off. Be cheerful.

Good luck

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 days later)

Hello Dr. I have been looking into the povidone iodine you mentioned. It says not to get the solution in your mouth. Do you still recommend i buy it? And by diluted, could you give me an exact measurement?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ask for povidone iodine mouth gargles...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

There are various concentrations of povidone iodine available in the market used for different purposes. I would recommend you to try povidone iodine mouth gargles and not the ones used to clean the wounds.

The mouth gargles should be used in a dilution of 1:1, i.e. 1 capful of solution with one capful of water. Rinse it for 3-5 minutes and spit it out. This has to be preferably used after food.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj