CONDITIONS

Strawberry Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Strawberry Tongue? 

Strawberry tongue is not a condition on its own. Instead, it’s a symptom of other health issues. Your healthcare provider may need to learn more about any other symptoms you may have to fully understand what’s causing the little bumps to appear on your tongue.  

Causes of Strawberry Tongue 

Certain health issues and conditions can contribute to the development of the strawberry tongue. These conditions include: 

  • Scarlet fever: Often a result of strep throat, scarlet fever is characterized by a red rash that appears over most of the body, a high fever, headache, and a sore throat.  

  • Kawasaki disease: Commonly occurring during childhood, Kawasaki disease causes inflammation of the arteries throughout the body. Additional symptoms include fever, rash, and red eyes.  

  • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS): A side effect of certain bacterial infections, TSS symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, sore throat, and in rare instances, strawberry tongue.  

  • Allergies: Strawberry tongue, alongside redness and swelling, can make an appearance if you’re allergic to a certain medicine or food.  

If you develop a case of strawberry tongue, or your tongue swells up with small white or red bumps, see your healthcare professional right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Strawberry Tongue Treatment 

The course of treatment heavily depends on the underlying cause of the strawberry tongue. Depending on the cause, treatment options will vary. Only a healthcare professional can properly diagnose and treat strawberry tongue and any other symptoms alongside it.  

From Oral-B, the #1 dentist-recommended toothbrush brand, worldwide. *

*Based on surveys carried out for P&G regularly. For verification, contact: ukcontact.im@pg.com

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/strawberry-tongue#causes 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320894 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7689219/ 

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm2026930