It is not serious and usually goes away in a few days.

Lie bumps get their name from the myth that you develop bumps on yourtongueif you tell a lie.

The real cause of transient lingual papillitis is something irritating yourtaste buds(known as fungiform papillae).

Transient Lingual Papillitis on Tongue

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.

The bumps, which are very common, cause significant pain, especially when you attempt to eat.

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Reproduced with permission from DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.

Eruptive lingual papillitis generally lasts for a week or two.

However, it is prone to recurrence, often within a couple of months.

The bumps do not interfere with eating or affect taste in any way.

U-Shaped Lingual Papillitis

U-shaped lingual papillitis has some key differences from the other types.

It’s unclear which viruses may cause transient lingual papillitis.

Other Risk Factors

The classic form of transient lingual papillitis is very common.

Frequently, in a household, this papillitis starts with the younger children.

Diagnosis of Bumps on the Tongue

Transient lingual papillitis can usually be diagnosed by its appearance alone.

A punch-like gear extracts a small sample of tongue tissue to examine under the microscope.

There are several conditions that mimic transient lingual papillitis.

(Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.)

Summary

Transient lingual papillitis, or lie bumps, are inflamed and sometimes painful taste buds.

They come in several types, each with its own appearance and symptoms.

In many cases, the underlying cause is unknown.

Lie bumps are generally diagnosed based on their appearance.

The bumps will likely go away within a few days without medical treatment.

it’s possible for you to help relieve pain with rinses, oral medication, and topical steroids.

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