Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It causes white patches on your tongue. Sometimes the patches happen in other parts of your mouth. The patches may look hairy. This is where the name comes from. Oral hairy leukoplakia happens most often in people with a weak immune system, such as those infected with HIV. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by conditions that weaken the immune system. This includes the Epstein-Barr virus. It occurs most often in people infected with HIV. Oral hairy leukoplakia may also happen in other people with suppressed immune systems. This includes organ transplant recipients, people with cancer, and people taking systemic or inhaled steroids.

Oral hairy leukoplakia is most common in people with HIV. It may be a warning that your HIV has gotten worse. It is a sign of a weak immune system. If you have HIV and are exposed to EBV, you are at great risk of getting oral hairy leukoplakia. People with HIV who smoke are also at a greater risk of getting it.

White patches on the tongue are the main symptom of oral hairy leukoplakia. The patches:

• Are white and folded in appearance.
• Are hairy, hair-like growths that come from the folds in the patches.
• Cannot be removed with a toothbrush or with another oral care tool.
• Often are not painful and may come and go.

Sometimes the patches cause discomfort and taste changes. Other times there are no symptoms.

The symptoms of oral hairy leukoplakia may look like other health conditions or problems. Always talk with your doctor for a diagnosis.

Oral hairy leukoplakia patches are easy to identify. Doctors can often diagnose it from a physical exam alone. A mouth infection called thrush can look very similar. But your doctor can often remove thrush growths on the tongue. This helps your doctor to tell the difference between the two conditions.

A biopsy of one of the patches can confirm the diagnosis. But this test often isn't done unless the patches look abnormal. Or a biopsy may be done if your doctor thinks the patches may be cancer or another rare condition.

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Oral hairy leukoplakia itself doesn't often need treatment if there are no other symptoms. It may go away on its own. But it may mean your doctor needs to take a closer look at your HIV treatment to help boost your immunity.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug or medicine to use on the patches. Rarely, in more severe cases, your doctor may surgically remove the sore.

Oral hairy leukoplakia is often linked to an HIV infection. So complications are also linked to HIV. They include low immunity and even death. Oral hairy leukoplakia often means that you need HIV treatment or that your doctor needs to change your current treatment.

Preventing oral hairy leukoplakia starts by having a healthy immune system. Stick to your prescribed HIV treatment plan and dental hygiene routine. Also take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Practice safe sex, exercise regularly, and follow a healthy diet. Don't smoke. Contact your doctor if you have questions or new symptoms.

Oral hairy leukoplakia is often painless. But it can be a warning sign of HIV or a severe immune system problem. See your doctor right away.

• Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus.
• It happens most often in people whose immune systems are very weak. It is most often seen in people with HIV.
• The condition causes white patches on the tongue.
• The patches can cause mild discomfort and taste changes or no symptoms at all.
• Treatment is aimed at treating the underlying immune problem, such as HIV.
• This condition can be a warning sign of HIV or a severely weakened immune system.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your doctor gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions, especially after office hours and on weekends and holidays.