After taking a shower, my tongue feels numb. What's the reason for this?

Generally, tongue numbness after bathing may be caused by high water temperature, blood pressure changes, hypoglycemia, facial neuritis, trigeminal neuralgia, or other reasons. Symptomatic treatment such as general treatment or medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. High Water Temperature

Excessively hot water during bathing, especially when directly contacting the mouth, may temporarily irritate the tongue's nerves, causing transient numbness, usually accompanied by a brief sensation of heat in the oral cavity or tongue. It is recommended to avoid excessively hot water for bathing, and wait a while before rinsing the mouth or drinking to allow oral temperature to return to normal.

2. Blood Pressure Changes

During bathing, hot water may cause systemic vasodilation, possibly resulting in a temporary drop in blood pressure, which may affect cerebral blood supply and cause tongue numbness. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, mild headache, or unsteady standing. It is recommended to adjust posture gradually, avoid sudden standing from sitting or lying positions, rest appropriately after bathing, and ensure adequate water intake.

3. Hypoglycemia

After bathing, especially when fasting or among diabetic patients, hypoglycemia may occur. When blood glucose levels are too low, the brain lacks sufficient energy supply, affecting nerve function and causing numbness, which may be accompanied by sweating, palpitations, hunger, or confusion. It is recommended to immediately replenish sugar and, under medical guidance, use medications such as glucose sodium chloride injection, hydrocortisone tablets, or mannitol injection to alleviate symptoms.

4. Facial Neuritis

Facial neuritis is typically caused by infection or autoimmune reactions. Inflammation can irritate and damage the facial nerve, blocking nerve signal transmission and causing symptoms such as tongue numbness, possibly accompanied by facial muscle weakness or crooked mouth corners. It is recommended to take medications such as oryzanol tablets, mecobalamin tablets, or dexamethasone acetate tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

5. Trigeminal Neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve is one of the primary nerves responsible for facial sensation. Lesions or compression of this nerve may affect sensory nerve fibers in the tongue, causing numbness, possibly accompanied by facial pain, electric shock-like pain, or facial muscle twitching. It is recommended to use medications such as carbamazepine tablets, gabapentin tablets, or phenytoin sodium tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

It is recommended to keep the water temperature moderate during daily bathing, avoiding hot water stimulation to blood vessels and nerves to prevent physical discomfort.