Pathology · single question
Same case. What is the most appropriate treatment for hairy tongue?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. No treatment required
Hairy tongue (in the context of nutritional deficiency in an adopted child) is a BENIGN, SELF-LIMITING CONDITION. The primary management is addressing the underlying cause (nutritional improvement). No specific treatment is required — the condition resolves with: improved nutrition, good oral hygiene, tongue brushing, hydration, and removal of contributing factors. Nystatin is for candidiasis, not hairy tongue. Essential oils have no evidence base. Surgical removal is absolutely not indicated.
- A. INCORRECT. Surgical removal is not indicated for hairy tongue — it is a benign overgrowth of filiform papillae that resolves with correction of the underlying cause.
- B. CORRECT. No specific treatment is required for hairy tongue other than addressing the underlying cause (nutrition improvement, oral hygiene, removing contributing factors). The condition is self-limiting.
- C. INCORRECT. Essential oils have no evidence-based role in treating hairy tongue.
- D. INCORRECT. Nystatin treats candidiasis (fungal infection). While candida can co-colonize hairy tongue, nystatin alone is not the treatment for hairy tongue.