Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Zinc Sulfate in Patients with Geographic Tongue

Statement of the problem: Geographic tongue is characterized by loss of filliform papillae in an erythematous area with keratotic borders. It vanishes after a while and reappears in another area. It is relatively common and is most seen among females. Considering such problems as pain, burning sensation and sharp pain in tongue, decreasing of taste sensation, cancer phobia and esthetic problems it needs to be treated. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of zinc sulfate in patients with geographic tongue. Materials and Methods: Randomized-controlled study with two parallel treatment groups was performed to evaluate the efficacy of zinc sulfate in treatment of geographic tongue. After a pilot study, the number of patients was estimated to be ۴۰. Twenty patients were assigned to the experiment group with zinc sulfate therapy and ۲۰ patients were assigned to the control group that took placebo. Patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic geographic tongue were included in this study. Since zinc sulfate has been categorized as group C, pregnant women were excluded from our study. Randomized double blind method of sampling was applied. A questionnaire regarding personal background of patients, along with a complete history of the present geographic tongue was filled for the patients on the day of entering the study and also on the ۱۰th day after beginning the therapy. Healing was defined as complete resolving of tongue lesions. On the ۱۰th day, the effect of treatment was assessed by the examiner. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: In ۱۶ of the ۲۰ patients in the experimental group signs of healing were found as well as ۳ of the ۲۰ patients in the control group. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Conclusion: The role of zinc in maintaining healthy epithelial tissues, renewing of filliform papillae and the positive effect of zinc sulfate in treatment of geographic tongue were clearly observed.