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Suggest Treatment For Frictional Keratosis

Posted on Fri, 29 Jan 2016

Question: Hi
I am a bit embarrassed to ask this-- it seems a bit paranoid. I will try to get in to see my dentist this week, but rather than scaring myself on the Internet, I thought I might ask for a more educated opinion.
I am a 49 woman with good dental health. Very few issues. Some decay as a child and a few old silver cavities, one replaced with a crown a decade ago. I did have a small white patch in my right check biopsied- the leukoplakia turned out to be lichen planus and has since receded and improved greatly to a small constellation or white lines. I have never smoked and am a very moderate drinker-- glass of wine with nice meal or special occasion. No regular consumption.

What I am writing about it my tongue. I've noticed in the am esp that it appears very "scalloped"-- on both sides They seems to recede through the day except for two areas on the right side of the edge of the tongue. Two white patches, indented a bit, remain. I've tried to take pictures-- not sure if I can upload here or not. There is no pain, There is not redness-- just these two whitish areas along the lateral border of the right side of the tongue.
I do admit to a fair amount of anxiety (obviously as I am writing this!), have a fair amount of stress, working mom, kids, life etc. And do have a breast cancer history-- though caught early, 15 years out now, checked every 6 months, no nodal involvement or reoccurence.
So- I guess I'm a bit worried that this could be-- an early tongue lesion? Or something to worry about? I could seriously use a bit of peace of mind on this. Am driving myself a bit nuts.
I would really appreciate your kind opinion.
Sincerely,
xxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Might be Frictional Keratosis, please send clear picture.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX .
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain, presentation of symptoms and the images attached, there does not seems anything very serious and you first of all need to relax and do not worry..

Now let me start with my explanation..

The scalloping of the tongue is due to a bigger size tongue that is continuously pressed against the teeth and indentations of teeth are formed over the lateral borders of tongue, so relax its not serious..
It is common in people with a big tongue..

The next thing is the white patches that are painless.
I could see small white patches over the lateral borders of tongue, but not very sure as the images are not clear, so please send me clear pictures..

What I can gauge from the image I have seen is that the white patches can be leukoplakia patches or frictional keratosis..
Both the conditions can be due to excessive keratin deposition secondary to rubbing of tongue against teeth..

Another thing that I have noticed over the upper surface of tongue is small grooves that is known as Fissured tongue and it is also harmless and commonly of genetic origin..
Just maintain a good oral hygiene and do not let anything accumulate inside the grooves to prevent infection..

Also you need to use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue as there seems to be debris accumulating over the tongue that should be cleaned..
You can also gargle with 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water..
Gargle with antiseptic solution..

Please send me a clear picture of the patches so that I can advise you after a proper examination..

Any further questions are most welcome..

Wishing you a good health..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

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

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (3 hours later)

Hi Dr XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your kind reply. I asked my husband to try and take some closer in pictures per your request. I have just uploaded them and hope they come through okay.
I'm sorry to be so silly and worried about this--I'm really hoping it's nothing serious.
Regards
xxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Attachment of image not found..

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome Again..

I have not got your new image attachment and only the old 4 images are being displayed..
Kindly re-attach the images and send again..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (7 hours later)

Good morning, Dr.
I'm sorry the new jpgs did not go throught. I will try again now.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like Frictional Keratosis..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome Again..

As per your complain it seems like Frictional Keratosis that is due to rubbing of the side of tongue to the teeth and due to it there is excessive keratin formation..

I would suggest you to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and a biopsy can help in diagnosis and treatment can be planned accordingly..

As of now you need not to worry as it does not seem to be anything serious..
You can take Multivitamin and antioxidants like Lycopene for 15 days..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

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