Itchy Tongue: Reasons And Treatment

The itchy tongue is caused due to various conditions and leads to discomfort. Medical conditions, foods, and allergens are responsible for the itchy tongue. Oral cancer may also cause itchy throat and tongue. Various treatment options are available to treat itchy tongue. Here in this article, you can know how to get rid of itchy tongue and itchy tongue remedy.

Causes Of Itchy Tongue

It is very hard to find out the exact reason for the itchy tongue as the probable causes of the itchy tongue are many. The condition for itchy tongue may be due to allergic reactions or deficiency of certain vitamins apart from various other reasons. Following are the probable reasons for the itchy tongue;

1. Diabetes

Diabetes may lead to burning and itchy tongue. People with diabetes are at increased risk of oral thrush. Further, diabetes harms nerve health. This may lead to paraesthesia of various organs including the tongue. Delay in the treatment of oral thrush may progress to cause an infection that also affects the throat.

2. Contact Dermatitis

Various substances, when it comes in contact with the tongue, may cause itching sensations. These substances are either for oral hygiene or used as facial cosmetics. The strong irritants include toothpaste, lipsticks, and other cosmetics that come in contact with the tongue, and other topical medications meant to be used in the oral cavity.

3. Underlying Systemic or Topical Condition

Various underlying medical conditions may lead to the itchy tongue. These conditions include autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders. Nerve damage that occurs during tongue piercing, may be temporary or permanent. The topical conditions responsible for itching tongue are ulcers and yeast infections. An ulcer may also cause itchy tongue tip.

4. Heavy Intake Of Alcohol And Smoking

People who are allergic to alcohol may experience various symptoms including the itching tongue after drinking alcohol. People with heavy alcohol intake also suffer from the itchy tongue. Smoking is one of the reasons for getting tongue sore. Tongue sore leads to the itchy tongue.

5. Viral Infection

Various viral infections also cause itchy tongue. Apart from the itchy tongue, the tongue may get swollen along with the burning sensation. Human Papilloma Virus is one of the causative agents of the itchy tongue.

6. Cancer

Oral cancer, especially of the tongue, may also cause itchy tongue. People with habit of chronic drinking, chain-smoking, and chewing tobacco are at increased risk of developing oral cancer.

7. Intake Of Certain Foods

People get oral allergic reactions when exposed to certain foods. These foods contain strong ingredients that initiate allergic reactions. This may also lead to an itchy tongue. Such foods include pineapple, kiwis, apples, and apricots.

Symptoms Accompanying Itchy Tongue

Almost in all cases, various other symptoms accompany the itchy tongue. The accompanying symptoms depend upon the cause of itchy tongue. Following are some of the symptoms which the patient experiences along with itchy tongue;

• Itchy swollen tongue.
• Swelling and allergic reactions in the throat and other areas of the mouth.
• Ridges appear on the tongue.
• Bleeding
• Tingling and numbness as seen in neurological dysfunction
• Sores such as canker sores on tongue

Treatment For Itchy Tongue

The itchy tongue itself is a symptom and not a disease. The treatment is focussed to cure the cause which leads to the itchy tongue.

In case of an allergic reaction, administer the anti-allergic medications, and advise the patient to avoid exposure to allergens. If the allergy is caused due to any food, avoid eating food.

In case of infection, fungal, or viral, the treatment is done through proper medications. Proper measures should be undertaken to prevent a recurrence.

How To Get Rid Of Itchy Tongue From Pineapple?

It is believed that pineapple itchy tongue is caused because of the presence of enzyme bromelain. This is a proteolytic enzyme that digests the mucous covering of the tongue leading to itchy sensation. The sensation is temporary and does not cause any long-term harm. To prevent the itchy tongue due to pineapple, pineapple is soaked in salt water and then cut to eat. In most cases, the person does not require any treatment and tongue heals on its own within a few hours.

Can Cancer Cause Itchy Throat?

There are various reasons for itchy throat. The reasons may be as simple as a mild infection to serious throat cancer. The lump formed due to cancer increases the tissue sensitivity that may lead to itching throat. Oral cancer may lead to itchy tongue and throat.

What Are The Home Remedies For Itchy Tongue?

Following are some home remedies where you can follow to treat itchy tongue;

1. Honey

Rubbing honey directly on the tongue or drink tea with honey help reduce itchy tongue.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has an antibacterial and antiviral property that reduces the severity of itchy tongue.

3. Chamomile Oil

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile oil reduces the itchy tongue.

4. Aloe Vera

Rinsing the mouth with Aloe vera juice or applying on the tongue may help to relieve itchy tongue.

5. Saltwater

When an itchy tongue is accompanied by swelling and inflammation, gargling with salt water is quite effective.