Itchy Tongue: Causes and Treatment

Causes of Itchy Tongue

An itchy tongue may be due to some common allergies to more serious medical conditions. The exact cause has to be identified for proper treatment. Some of the common reasons for an itchy tongue are as under:

Oral Allergy Syndrome

One common cause of a tingling or itchy tongue is Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), which affects 50-75% of adults with birch pollen allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology(AAAI).

The immune system reacts to proteins in certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts, mistaking them for allergens. Symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, typically appear shortly after consumption. Common triggers include nuts, apples, carrots, and celery.

Cooking these foods can reduce allergenic proteins, making them safer to eat. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. However, if you frequently experience an itchy tongue after eating raw fruits or vegetables, consider consulting a doctor for advice.

Food Allergies

Another common cause of tongue itchiness is food allergies, affecting about 6% of U.S. adults and children, according to 2021 CDC data. 

Unlike Oral Allergy Syndrome, food allergies can impact the skin and respiratory system, potentially leading to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction experienced by 2% of the U.S. population (1 in 50), as noted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Symptoms usually start with itching in the tongue, mouth, or throat, particularly after eating nuts, dairy, or seafood. Immediate medical help is needed for swelling or breathing issues.

Tongue Injuries

Accidental injuries to the tongue, such as biting during eating, thermal burns due to hot foods, or irritation due to tongue piercing, can cause transient itch. Because of the rich vascularity of the tongue, even minor traumas may cause swelling, tenderness, and a tingling sensation. While these injuries usually heal spontaneously, the itch can persist for several days until full recovery of the tissues has taken place.

To avoid further irritation, it’s best to eat soft, non-acidic foods and avoid hot or spicy meals while the tongue heals.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is primarily caused by Candida fungal infection. Symptoms are indicated by white patches surrounding the top part of the tongue and inside the mouth, giving a feeling of discomfort or an itchy tongue. Most commons are noticed in people with suppressed immune systems, diabetes, or on medications that affect the normal levels of different types of chemicals within the body.

Symptomatic management is only possible with good oral hygiene, but chronic cases may need antifungal therapy. One may relate a white coating of the tongue with itching, hence prompting them to seek professional medical help for further evaluations.

Viral Infections

This feeling can sometimes be caused by viral infections such as flu and colds among other viruses, in which the body enters a tug of war with viruses of the upper respiratory area. There maybe inflammation that may affect your throat or the oral cavity, thus giving an itching or tingling sensation on the tongue.

Pain and discomfort should be somewhat relieved by symptomatic treatments, such as warm salt water gargles, although the natural course of most viral infections should occur with adequate hydration.

Other Causes: Diabetes, Hormonal Changes, and Medications

Aside from allergies and infection, there are systemic conditions that may also cause the tongue to itch. In the case of diabetes, an individual might be predisposed to dryness in their mouth, which can be irritating and, therefore, lead to fungal infections like oral candidiasis. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause may sometimes result in temporary itching or irritation of the mouth.

Certain medications, particularly those that impede saliva production, can lead to dryness of the mouth with heightened irritation of the tongue. Irritation of the tongue from some drugs may be often transient or persistent; you may want to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Symptoms Associated with an Itchy Tongue

Very frequently, an itchy tongue is accompanied by some other symptoms, which may be different depending on its cause. It is very important to be able to detect these symptoms so that you are sure whether you have a mild problem of oral allergy or something serious that requires medical attention. Common symptoms accompanying the problem include:

• Numbness or burning: Burning or tingling sensations usually are the first omen that something is wrong and might present as allergic reactions of the oral cavity or even small traumas to the tongue.
• Swelling in the lips, tongue, or throat: This may be an indication of a food allergy—or even anaphylaxis, a more serious reaction.
• Respiratory problems: A person may feel some kind of shortness of breath, constriction in the throat, or an itchy tongue. These signs necessitate calling for emergency medical help since this could be a life-threatening allergic reaction.
• White tongue patches: This comes with conditions such as thrush, which is an infection of the mouth due to yeast; it can also be irritating and itchy.

Watch for these symptoms: if you are experiencing any of them, an itchy tongue can have swelling and result in shortness of breath, times that you need to see a health professional right away.

For milder symptoms, using an online Symptom Checker can help you identify the potential causes of your discomfort. However, always remember to follow up with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How to Treat an Itchy Tongue

Treating an itchy tongue depends largely on the underlying cause. While some cases can be resolved with simple home remedies, others may require medical attention. Here are some effective ways to manage and treat the discomfort caused by an itchy tongue.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

For mild cases of tongue itchiness, especially those caused by oral allergies or minor injuries, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate the symptoms:

• Avoid triggering foods or allergens: If you suspect certain foods are causing the itchiness, try to eliminate them from your diet or cook them before consumption to reduce the allergenic proteins.
• Rinse with saltwater: A simple saltwater rinse can soothe irritation and reduce any inflammation in the mouth or throat.
• Use a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth can help numb the area and provide relief from swelling and itchiness.
• Stay hydrated: Hydration can help prevent dry mouth, which can worsen the feeling of irritation or itchiness.

These remedies can help manage mild symptoms at home. However, it’s essential to monitor your condition and see if it improves with self-care.

Medical Treatments for Itchy Tongue

If home remedies do not alleviate the symptoms, or if the cause is more serious, medical treatments may be necessary. These can include:

• Antihistamines: Commonly prescribed for allergies, antihistamines can help reduce itchiness and swelling caused by allergic reactions.
• Corticosteroids: For more severe allergic reactions or inflammation, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
• Antifungal medications: If the itchiness is due to oral thrush, antifungal treatments will be necessary to clear the infection.
• Epinephrine: In the case of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), an epinephrine injection (EpiPen) may be required immediately.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause.