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Hi. I Keep Having Reoccurring (about Once Monthly) Very Small
Question: Hi. I keep having reoccurring (about once monthly) very small (~3mm) ulcerations and occasionally preceding these blisters on or near the tip of my tongue. Could this be HSV or something else given the location and recurrence? Once many many years ago I think I may have had a cold sore on my lip- but outside of a small blister on the inside of my lip last year, I have never had a lesion or blister elsewhere.
Brief Answer:
Chronic aphtous ulcers is the likely diagnosis- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
The lesions on your tongue are very likely chronic recurrent aphtous lesions. These are very common and most of the time no specific cause is identified. Because you are having them every month it might be advisable to do some tests to rule out underlying conditions.
Meanwhile local treatment with oral wash with chlorhexidine, local lignocaine gel and avoiding hard food, spicy, salty, and acidic food and also alcohol and carbonated drinks helps with symptoms.
Rarely more treatment is needed and in this case your doctor can prescribe oral treatment as well.
To conclude:
- very likely the lesions are due to chronic recurrent aphtous ulcers, which is a common condition (it is unlikely for herpes infection to repeat so often, even though it is difficult to distinguish one from the other by how they look)
- some tests might be needed to rule out underlying conditions like anemia, vitamin deficiency, bowel conditions, immune diseases, etc.
- seeing your doctor is advisable to have the tests and examinations to rule out these conditions
- try local treatment with mouth wash with chlorhexidine and local lignocaine
- avoid certain food (mentioned above)
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Chronic aphtous ulcers is the likely diagnosis- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
The lesions on your tongue are very likely chronic recurrent aphtous lesions. These are very common and most of the time no specific cause is identified. Because you are having them every month it might be advisable to do some tests to rule out underlying conditions.
Meanwhile local treatment with oral wash with chlorhexidine, local lignocaine gel and avoiding hard food, spicy, salty, and acidic food and also alcohol and carbonated drinks helps with symptoms.
Rarely more treatment is needed and in this case your doctor can prescribe oral treatment as well.
To conclude:
- very likely the lesions are due to chronic recurrent aphtous ulcers, which is a common condition (it is unlikely for herpes infection to repeat so often, even though it is difficult to distinguish one from the other by how they look)
- some tests might be needed to rule out underlying conditions like anemia, vitamin deficiency, bowel conditions, immune diseases, etc.
- seeing your doctor is advisable to have the tests and examinations to rule out these conditions
- try local treatment with mouth wash with chlorhexidine and local lignocaine
- avoid certain food (mentioned above)
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
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