okay so if the cause is autoimmune, that the condition would be life long and persistent?
Hi!
How long a geographic tongue will last depends on what caused it. If it was due to chemical or food irritation or hot food or due to alcohol, then stopping the irritations will result in the geographic tongue returning to normal within days. If the cause is vitamin B 12, folate, iron or zinc deficiency then correcting this deficiency will result in improvement. If the cause is an allergy then anti-allergic pills may help keep the symptoms at bay. However, if no cause is found then it is difficult o ascertain how soon the tongue will regain its texture.
The condition may persist for years with no remission and hope for recovery. Hence, it is important to avoid any kind of irritant foods. The changes in geographic tongue are usually persistent, but there can be flares of swelling and pain. The condition may disappear if its causative factors are taken care of. However, for most people it may persist for life. Do discuss this with your doctor. Take care!