The little girl has small red spots on her tongue.
Sep 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
In general, small red spots on a young girl's tongue may be caused by poor oral hygiene, excessive heart fire (a TCM diagnosis), lingual papillitis, scarlet fever, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, or other factors. It is recommended that patients receive symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. Conditions such as streptococcal infection can also cause small red spots on the tongue. It is advisable to complete appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm the underlying cause and receive treatment under medical supervision.
Generally, small red spots on a young girl's tongue may be caused by poor oral hygiene, excessive heart fire (heart fire hyperactivity syndrome), glossitis (inflammation of the tongue papillae), scarlet fever, or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. Patients are advised to receive appropriate treatment under medical guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
If a patient does not brush their teeth properly after eating, food residues in the mouth can ferment over time, irritating the lingual papillae and causing inflammation, which leads to small red spots on the tongue. It is recommended that patients thoroughly clean their teeth daily and avoid leaving food debris in the mouth.
2. Heart Fire Hyperactivity Syndrome
Clinical features of heart fire hyperactivity include fever, thirst, dark urine, flushed complexion, red tongue with yellow coating. Red spots on the tip of the tongue are often indicative of internal heat due to excessive heart fire. Increasing fluid intake and consuming more cooling fruits and vegetables—such as pears, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, white radish, and bean sprouts—is recommended. Under medical supervision, medications such as Sanhuang Pian (Three Yellow Tablets) or Huanglian Shangqing Wan may also be taken.
3. Glossitis (Tongue Papillae Inflammation)
This condition may result from bacterial or viral infections and can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the tongue papillae, leading to multiple red spots on the tongue. Treatment with antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or azithromycin tablets should be conducted under a doctor’s guidance.
4. Scarlet Fever
Caused primarily by group A hemolytic streptococcus and transmitted from infected individuals, scarlet fever may lead to swollen tongue papillae, resulting in numerous red spots on the tongue—commonly known as "strawberry tongue." Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, and headache. Under medical supervision, treatment may involve antibiotics such as enteric-coated erythromycin tablets or amoxicillin capsules.
5. Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome (Kawasaki Disease)
Associated with genetic, infectious, and immune factors, this syndrome may present with symptoms including fever, "strawberry tongue," conjunctivitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Treatment under medical guidance may include intravenous immunoglobulin or compound aspirin tablets.
In addition, other conditions such as streptococcal infection may also cause small red spots on a young girl's tongue. It is recommended to undergo thorough evaluation for accurate diagnosis and receive treatment under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
