Hairy tongue

Hairy tongue is a benign condition resulting from elongation of the filiform papillae because of keratin build up. This can result from inadequate exfoliation and accelerated keratinization. Hairy tongue appears as a hairy coating on the tongue's dorsum, sparing the tip and lateral borders. The color ranges from cream to brown to black, depending on extrinsic factors, such as diet and smoking, and intrinsic factors, such as chromogenic bacteria and fungi. Here, Burge and Kogilwaimath examine the case of a 55-year-old man with hairy tongue.