Mediterranean Journal of Infection, Microbes and Antimicrobials (Dec 2013)
Drug-Induced Black Hairy Tongue: A Case Report
Abstract
Black hairy tongue is a commonly observed condition of defective desquamation of the filiform papillae. The color of the elongated papillae varies from yellowish white to brown or black. A 22-years-old female presented to the department with complaints of painful, black discoloration of her tongue. Her history revealed that she had been taking doxycycline and rifampin for brucellosis. An anti-inflammatory mouthwash was administered, and the brucellosis treatment was continued. Her tongue had healed completely one month later. When doxycycline and rifampin therapy are given, the possibility of black tongue should be kept in mind. Drug discontinuation may not be necessary.
