infection
Oral hairy leukoplakia
Hairy leukoplakia is a white patch on the side of the tongue with a corrugated or hairy appearance. It is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and occurs usually in persons who are immunocompromised, especially those with human virus /acquired immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS). The white , which cannot be scraped off, is and does not require any treatment, although its appearance may have diagnostic and prognostic implications for the underlying condition.
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See all of Mouth & Teeth →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.