Hairy leukoplakia

Hairy leukoplakia is a medical condition often associated with immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. It is characterized by white patches on the side of the tongue, which have a hairy or corrugated appearance.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

Hairy leukoplakia is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a type of herpesvirus. The virus infects the cells on the surface of the tongue, leading to the characteristic white patches.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of hairy leukoplakia is the presence of white patches on the side of the tongue. These patches cannot be scraped off and may have a hairy or corrugated appearance. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of discomfort in the mouth.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of hairy leukoplakia is typically made based on the appearance of the tongue. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as oral thrush or oral cancer.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for hairy leukoplakia primarily involves managing the underlying condition that has led to the weakened immune system. This may involve antiretroviral therapy for individuals with HIV/AIDS. In some cases, antiviral medications may be used to directly target the Epstein-Barr virus.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with hairy leukoplakia is generally good, particularly if the underlying condition is well-managed. However, the presence of hairy leukoplakia can be an indicator of a weakened immune system, and may signal the progression of HIV to AIDS in individuals with HIV.

See also[edit | edit source]

Hairy leukoplakia Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.