Causes of Black Tongue

Publication
Article
Consultant for PediatriciansConsultant for Pediatricians Vol 6 No 7
Volume 6
Issue 7

In his recent case involving a child with a black tongue, John Harrington, MD, noted that certain types of yeast and bacteria produce porphyrins that can give the tongue a black appearance.

In his recent case involving a child with a black tongue,1 John Harrington, MD, noted that certain types of yeast and bacteria produce porphyrins that can give the tongue a black appearance. To Dr Harrington's comments, I would add that this condition can also occur after ingestion of bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). It is important to keep this in mind when obtaining a history.

- David M. Klein, MD  
  Boro Park Pediatric, PLLC  
  Brooklyn, NY

References:

REFERENCE:


1.

Harrington JW. Making the rounds: round 3.

Consultant For Pediatricians.

2007;6:157-164.

Recent Videos
Greg Forlenza, MD
COVID-19 Therapy Roundtable: Focusing on Inpatient Care | Image credit: Production Perig
Image credit: Production Perig
Paul Kruszka, MD
Herbert Bravo, MD
Tina Tan, MD
Paul Kruszka, MD, MPH, FACMG
Stephanie Anne Deutsch, MD, MS, MSCR, FAAP
H. Westley Phillips, MD
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.