Traumatic lingual ulcer in a child: Riga-Fede disease

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Mar;34(2):186-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2008.02796.x.

Abstract

Riga-Fede disease RFD is an extremely rare, benign inflammatory disorder characterized by reactive, traumatic ulceration of the oral mucosa especially located on the tongue. It is most commonly associated with natal or neonatal teeth in newborns. Mucosal lesions are often caused by repetitive traumatic damage due to backward and forward motions of the tongue over the lower incisors. Failure to diagnose and treat these lesions properly may result in inadequate food intake, growth retardation and permanent lingual deformity. We report a 15-month-old healthy infant with tongue ulcer diagnosed as RFD based on history and clinical features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Incisor
  • Infant
  • Lingual Frenum / injuries
  • Male
  • Malnutrition / complications*
  • Oral Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Oral Ulcer / pathology*
  • Tongue Diseases / microbiology*
  • Tongue Habits / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide