Geographic tongue, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the surface of the tongue, is not a health risk, but can be painful and embarrassing. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Q: I have had geographic tongue for almost two years. It's unsightly and sometimes quite painful, but my ENT assures me it's not related to infection or cancer. A prescription for nystatin oral hasn't made a difference. Is there anything else that might help?

A: Geographic tongue is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the surface of the tongue. It is marked by areas of irregular tissue that develop on the top or sides of the tongue. These occur less often on the underside of the tongue.

They typically appear as patches of smooth, reddish tissue surrounded by a light-colored border. The appearance sugg

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