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What is Hairy Leukoplakia?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Hairy leukoplakia is a viral infection of the tongue that manifests as rough, flaky, white lesions that look like they are sprouting hairs. The condition is most commonly seen in HIV-positive individuals, and it is often one of the first signs that a person is infected. Lesions are usually painless and do not cause uncomfortable symptoms, but medical evaluation is still important to determine the underlying cause and receive the proper treatment.

Medical research has indicated that hairy leukoplakia is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a common viral agent found in the mouth and other mucous membranes. Nearly everyone in the world carries the virus, but it remains dormant and completely harmless in healthy individuals. When the immune system is weakened by HIV, AIDS, immunosuppressive drugs, or frequent blood transfusions, the Epstein-Barr virus can become activated and trigger hairy leukoplakia development.

Frequent blood transfusions may trigger hairy leukoplakia.
Frequent blood transfusions may trigger hairy leukoplakia.

The first sign of hairy leukoplakia is usually a thin off-white film on the sides of the tongue. Over several days or weeks, small flat lesions tend to develop on different sections of the tongue. The lesions develop a hairy appearance when they start to flake and develop raised ridges. The outer surface of the flakes may scrape off when brushing or rinsing, exposing the darker interior of a lesion. Pain is uncommon with hairy leukoplakia, but lesions that break open and become infected with bacteria can cause tenderness and inflammation.

Hairy leukoplakia is a viral infection of the tongue.
Hairy leukoplakia is a viral infection of the tongue.

A doctor can confirm hairy leukoplakia by collecting and analyzing a small tissue sample. In a medical lab, a clinical pathologist inspects the tissue under a microscope to rule out other possible causes of tongue discoloration, such as cancer and bacterial infection. Patients who do not know whether or not they are HIV-positive typically receive blood tests.

A clinical pathologist may confirm hairy leukoplakia after inspecting a tissue sample under a microscope.
A clinical pathologist may confirm hairy leukoplakia after inspecting a tissue sample under a microscope.

Hairy leukoplakia may not require medical treatment if it does not cause physical symptoms. If lesions are large or painful, a doctor may prescribe an oral or topical antiviral medication to shrink them and help prevent new ones from developing. Brushing regularly and avoiding tobacco products and spicy foods helps reduce the chances of a recurring bacterial infection in the mouth.

Leukoplakia may be an early sign of HIV infection, which often requires a cocktail of antiretroviral drugs.
Leukoplakia may be an early sign of HIV infection, which often requires a cocktail of antiretroviral drugs.

In most cases, doctors are more concerned about the underlying causes of hairy leukoplakia than the lesions themselves. Treatment regimens for HIV or another immunosuppressive condition are initiated immediately after they are detected. Patients may need to take daily oral drugs or receive regular shots for the rest of their lives to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of serious diseases.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

@burcidi-- You're right. I get mouth sores, including leukoplakia all the time due to lupus syndrome which is an autoimmune disease.

Whenever I get a lupus flare-up or when my immune system gets even weaker due to another infection, I get mouth sores.

burcidi

@donasmrs-- I don't think it's a good idea to try and diagnosed yourself. Hairy leukoplakia and oral thrush can look similar, so the only way to make sure that you have leukoplakia is to see a doctor and get a scrape of it tested.

Hairy leukoplakia and HIV are commonly seen together, but this doesn't mean that people who don't have HIV can't get it. If your immune system has weakened due to some other illness, you may also experience hairy leukoplakia.

But since you had a potential exposure, an HIV test is also in order. Please see a doctor soon so that you don't have to guess about what it is you have. You may be worrying for no reason.

donasmrs

How long after HIV infection does hairy oral leukoplakia usually appear?

I had a possible exposure to the virus three months ago and have noticed several white patches on my tongue yesterday. I checked images of hairy leukoplakia on the net, and it matches the patches I have. Could I have HIV?

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    • Frequent blood transfusions may trigger hairy leukoplakia.
      By: Pavle
      Frequent blood transfusions may trigger hairy leukoplakia.
    • Hairy leukoplakia is a viral infection of the tongue.
      By: Adrian Costea
      Hairy leukoplakia is a viral infection of the tongue.
    • A clinical pathologist may confirm hairy leukoplakia after inspecting a tissue sample under a microscope.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      A clinical pathologist may confirm hairy leukoplakia after inspecting a tissue sample under a microscope.
    • Leukoplakia may be an early sign of HIV infection, which often requires a cocktail of antiretroviral drugs.
      By: danilkorolev
      Leukoplakia may be an early sign of HIV infection, which often requires a cocktail of antiretroviral drugs.
    • The presence of hairy leukoplakia often prompts doctors to test for HIV.
      By: jarun011
      The presence of hairy leukoplakia often prompts doctors to test for HIV.
    • Hairy Leukoplakia is commonly seen among HIV-positive patients.
      By: designua
      Hairy Leukoplakia is commonly seen among HIV-positive patients.
    • Hairy leukoplakia is caused by Epstein-Barr virus, a common agent found in the mouth and other mucous membranes.
      By: snapgalleria
      Hairy leukoplakia is caused by Epstein-Barr virus, a common agent found in the mouth and other mucous membranes.
    • Tongue discoloration may occur as a result of hairy leukoplakia.
      By: Angel Simon
      Tongue discoloration may occur as a result of hairy leukoplakia.