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Overview
Patches move over days.
Spicy foods may sting.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonSores lasting over 2 weeks.
Causes
Cause unknown.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause map-like smooth patches on the tongue. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Geographic tongueOften treated at home
Smooth, red, map-like patches on the tongue with white edges that move around over days.
What you can do at home
- Avoid spicy foods.
Medicines
None needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Duration
The exam
A mouth exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Not preventable.
- Avoid irritants
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.