July 8, 2010

Blisters on Tongue in Children: Remedies and Causes

Posted in Category : Child Health

Sores and blisters can form on the tongue for a variety of reasons and may be one of the reasons why your child is refusing to eat food. Sores on a child’s tongue can be caused by any type of injury such as biting one’s own tongue. Blisters may be formed when your kid burns his or her tongue on hot food or due to bacterial or fungal infection or even vitamin B complex deficiency. Whatever the cause, it is important that you check your child’s mouth and tongue at the first sign of loss of appetite.

The first sign of blisters or sores appearing on your child’s tongue will be a reddish patch on the tongue. The blisters and sores will then develop, with the former appearing as white spots on the tongue. In case you detect such sores or blisters on your child’s tongue, then consult your health care provider immediately. Early treatment for these blisters is essential to prevent their spread.

Treatment for sores or blisters on your child’s tongue will depend on the underlying cause. For example, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the blisters are caused by tonsillitis that are infected. Do not ignore these blisters as left untreated they might lead to other complications such as fungal infections or worse.

Once treatment commences, there are a few home remedies you can try that will help provide some relief to your child. These home remedies include:

  • Apply honey to your child’s blisters. This remedy is a very effective one and makes use of the natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of honey to lessen the painful burning sensations that blisters can cause. Applying honey to the affected parts of the tongue will soothe the tongue and may make it possible for your child to eat. It may also help to hasten the healing process.
  • Turmeric powder can be mixed with honey to make a paste. This paste is then applied to the sores and blisters to provide relief.
  • Eating yogurt can also help to lower the pain caused by blisters and sores on the tongue and mouth. Tell your child to keep the cool yogurt against the affected areas for a few seconds before swallowing.
  • Gargling with salt water can help hasten the healing process. It may initially cause your child additional discomfort, but persevering with this remedy can prove to be helpful.
  • Ensure that your child drinks sufficient amounts of water throughout the day as this will help in flushing out the toxins from the body.
  • Make your child drink two to three glasses of cold milk every day. The milk should not be gulped down. Rather it should be sipped slowly and allowed to come in contact with the tongue. Turmeric powder can be added to milk to help speed up the healing process.
  • There are several over-the-counter mouth gels available to treat blisters. Ask your health care provider to suggest a suitable one for your child.
  • Make your child gargle with a mouthwash containing tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that may help hasten the healing process.
  • Apply a cube of ice to your child’s tongue. The cube should be kept there until the ice melts. This will help to reduce inflammation and numb the area. Alternatively, ice cream or frozen yogurt can also be used for a similar effect.

Dietary changes may be required if your child’s blisters have been caused by an allergy. If you are aware of which foods your child is allergic to, eliminate them from the diet.