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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.
Oral hairy leukoplakia happens most often in people with weak immune systems.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) often causes this condition.
Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by conditions that weaken the immune system.
This includes the Epstein-Barr virus and HIV.
Oral hairy leukoplakia is most common in people with HIV.
It may be a warning that HIV has worsened.
People with HIV who smoke are also at a greater risk of getting it.
Oral hairy leukoplakia patches are easy to identify, as it can often be diagnosed from a physical exam alone.
Oral candidiasis, or thrush, can be similar in appearance.
A biopsy of one of the patches can confirm the diagnosis, but this test usually isn’t done unless the patches look unusual, or if they suspect cancer or another rare condition.
Oral hairy leukoplakia itself doesn’t usually need treatment.
In some cases, an antiviral drug is given.
Rarely, in more severe cases, the lesion is removed surgically.
Preventing oral hairy leukoplakia starts by having a healthy immune system and healthy lifestyle.