What Are Tongue Pimples & How Do You Treat Them? Experts Explain

Facial acne is something we all experience at one point in our lives. Tongue pimples, on the other hand, are less recognized but actually quite common. The painful red and white bumps on the tongue—called transient lingual papillitis (TLP)—are a relatively common and underdiagnosed1 condition. In fact, "more than 50% of the population will experience these bumps in their lifetime," board-certified dermatologist Daniel Carrasco, M.D., FAAD, explains. So what causes them, and how can they be treated?

"This is a common painful inflammatory condition that affects the taste buds on the tip of the tongue," Carrasco says. "More precisely, it affects one or several taste buds, called fungiform papillae." 

"Thankfully, symptoms are transient and last one to two days, then disappear," Carrasco says. In some cases, the bumps will only last for a few hours, but they do tend to recur. 

There is not one specific cause and effect, but "the most likely cause of lie bumps is local irritation to the taste buds at the tip of the tongue," he says. 

Since tongue pimples tend to disappear within a few days, there's no real need to treat them. However, if they're particularly painful or irritating, there are a couple of ways to help manage those symptoms: 

Cutting down on excess sugars, dairy, or refined carbohydrates may help heal your gut and, subsequently, your tongue. Removing spicy or highly acidic foods while your tongue is inflamed can prevent further irritation and burning. Instead, eat cool and soothing foods, like yogurt. 

To provide symptomatic relief, he recommends rinsing your mouth with salt water. If your lie bumps are severe, you can talk to your doctor about getting prescription mouthwash, which can help alleviate mouth sores and prevent bacteria buildup. 

Since stress may lead to these bumps, try to recognize what type of stress you're dealing with and work on managing it. This may include meditating, exercising, getting adequate sleep, or taking supplements to help manage anxious feelings.* 

Since TLP is a recurring condition, you'll probably recognize the bumps and know what they are. If you experience a bump that's unfamiliar to you, it's a good idea to consult your doctor. 

"The good news is that transient lingual papillitis is benign," Carrasco says, "and not associated with any long-term dangers." That being said, any time you notice bumps on your tongue, it's a good idea to see your doctor. "There are many conditions of the mouth and tongue that must be ruled out before it is assumed that the condition is just benign." If the inflammation on your tongue lasts for more than one week, consult your physician.