Sometimes the most descriptive terms in medicine are not the most pleasant. A glaring example is a condition known as “hairy tongue.”
The technical term is “retention keratosis of the filiform papillae” — but that name has not caught on, for obvious reasons.
So, what is it? And is it dangerous?
One out of 10 people develops the condition at some point in their life. The tongue takes on a furry appearance, with hair like projections. In some cases, the projections are dark, and it is called “black hairy tongue.”
Tobacco and alcohol use, as well as a low-fiber diet increase the chances of getting it.
Related
Hairy tongue responds well to increasing fiber in the diet and brushing the tongue with standard toothpaste. Men are three times more likely to get it than women.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign up and follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram