red dots

hi i have red dots on my tongue for almost a year now. but i noticed it rcently when my tongue turned yellowish.
i went to the doctor, he told me it is normal infection and  gave me some strong antibiotics.but i did not work. my tongue is still yellowish with red dots. can you piease tell me what is it.
i am really scared.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  What you are describing is what is termed as a "strawberry tongue".  The red dots are actually swollen papillae (these are the taste sensors in the tongue).  It may be seen in some infections like scarlet fever (a kind of Streptococcus infection).  It may also be seen in Vitamin B12 deficiency and Kawasaki's disease (this is a rare disease affecting the skin and blood vessels).  The strawberry tongue is merely a sign of any of the above conditions, and will not by itself, cause any complications.  You should however, consult with a good doctor (preferably an internal medicine specialist) to be able to differentiate the underlying condition which affects you.