The lingua glabra or also called atrophic glossitis is characterised by a glossy, smooth appearance with either a red or pink background. It results from atrophy of the papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue and is sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation of the tongue. The condition is often associated with nutritional deficiencies (like iron, riboflavin etc.), underlying disease or medication use. Furthermore, it is linked to pellagra, syphilis and tuberculosis as so called Hunter-glossitis. The therapy depends on the specific cause of the atrophic condition.
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