Psoriasis can affect any area of the body, including the mouth and tongue. The condition can cause cracks on the tongue or smooth patches, a complication called geographic tongue.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes a person’s skin to grow faster than average, resulting in changes in skin color and, often, scaly patches.

These patches can form anywhere on the body. Less frequently, psoriasis affects the mouth. Oral psoriasis can cause discolored patches with yellow or white edges to form on the tongue.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for psoriasis on the tongue.

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Psoriasis can cause noticeable changes in the tongue’s color, texture, and feeling.

For example, people with psoriasis are more likely to develop an inflammatory condition called geographic tongue.

Although psoriasis on the tongue is rare, symptoms include:

  • discolored patches with yellow or white borders
  • swelling and discoloration on the tongue
  • smooth patches
  • fissures or cracks in the surface of the tongue

Psoriasis on the tongue can be tricky to diagnose because signs may be mild or even unnoticeable. However, for some people, these symptoms can lead to pain or swelling so severe that it makes eating or drinking difficult.

A thorough examination and testing can help a doctor determine if a person with a geographic tongue has oral psoriasis.

Learn more about geographic tongue.

Psoriasis typically does not affect the mouth. When it does, people may experienceTrusted Source the following symptoms:

  • peeling skin on the gums
  • sores or pustules in or around the mouth
  • pain or a burning sensation when eating hot or spicy foods
  • a noticeable change in taste

In most cases, the patches or sores will appear inside the cheeks.

Learn more about psoriasis on the lips.

To develop psoriasis, a person must have at least one relevant gene and experience exposure to triggers.

Several factors can triggerTrusted Source psoriasis, including:

  • stress
  • medications
  • infection
  • injury to the skin

Psoriasis may affect only one area of the body or several, and it may arise in new places. No matter where it occurs, psoriasis is not contagious, so a person cannot pass on the condition to others.

Learn more about psoriasis triggers.

Many treatments can helpTrusted Source people manage their psoriasis symptoms.

Oral psoriasis sometimes requires no treatment. However, consult a doctor if the symptoms interfere with daily activities.

For people with oral psoriasis, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or topical anesthetics such as lidocaine. These medications can help reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier to eat and drink.

A person may notice improvements in oral psoriasis if they treat body-wide symptoms. Typically, when treating psoriasis, a doctor will prescribe medications such as:

To prevent psoriasis symptoms from flaring up, it can help to avoid triggers. For psoriasis on the tongue, a person can:

It can also help to reduce stress, which can worsen symptoms.

How does a person treat psoriasis on the tongue?

Although oral psoriasis sometimes requires no treatment, anti-inflammatories or topical anesthetics can help.

What does oral psoriasis look like?

Oral psoriasis presents as red patches with white or yellow borders, swelling and discoloration on the tongue, and smooth patches.

Does oral psoriasis go away?

Oral psoriasis can clear up on its own or with help from treatment such as topical anesthetics.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that forms patches of dry or broken skin. It can affect the skin on any body part, including the tongue and mouth.

A person can manage symptoms by avoiding triggers and taking medication. Triggers can include certain foods, some medicines, and stress.

Seek psoriasis treatment, even if symptoms are mild. A doctor can develop an overall treatment plan to help reduce the number of flare-ups.

Some people with psoriasis find that it affects their mental health. Counselors can provide support.