Black tongue in children: a possible drug hypersensitivity reaction?

Minerva Pediatr (Torino). 2023 Apr;75(2):296-298. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5276.22.07044-6. Epub 2022 Nov 2.

Abstract

Black tongue (BT) is a benign, self-limiting black discoloration of the lingual mucosa due to different factors. Only a few pediatric cases of BT related to drug intake are described. We report a child with BT developed after amoxicillin/clavulanic acid intake and also made a review of the pediatric cases of black tongue reported in literature after drugs. The child underwent allergy work-up with in-vivo and in-vitro tests, showing a positive lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) for amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. For the first time, BT was proved to be a hypersensitivity reaction to drugs, suggesting a possible role of a T-cell mediated mechanism. Even if already reported as a mild side effect, according to our results, allergy investigations are essential to make a confident diagnosis and to give further indications to patients about the discontinuation of the culprit drug.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amoxicillin / adverse effects
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination
  • Child
  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity*
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Amoxicillin
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination

Supplementary concepts

  • Black hairy tongue