Pathology · single question
A patient has a small hairy lesion on the center of the tongue. What is the most appropriate treatment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Essential oils / tongue cleaning
- A. Antifungals are only added for secondary candidal infection — not the primary treatment.
- B. Topical steroids are not indicated for hairy tongue.
- C. Correct. HAIRY TONGUE (lingua villosa / black hairy tongue) results from hypertrophy of filiform papillae. Management: eliminate contributing factors (tobacco, broad-spectrum antibiotics, poor hygiene) + tongue brushing + essential oil-based rinses (thymol). No systemic medication unless secondary Candida is present.
- D. Hairy tongue is not viral — antivirals are not indicated.