What can help with a painful tongue sore from lupus?
Tongue sores can be incredibly painful and make eating and drinking difficult. About 25% of people with lupus develop ulcers in or around their mouth, and these can appear on the tongue, inside the jaw, roof of the mouth, or throat.
Here are some steps that may help:
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What can help with a painful tongue sore from lupus?
Tongue sores can be incredibly painful and make eating and drinking difficult. About 25% of people with lupus develop ulcers in or around their mouth, and these can appear on the tongue, inside the jaw, roof of the mouth, or throat.
Here are some steps that may help:
See Your Doctor
- Contact your rheumatology team, especially if the sore doesn't improve or worsens
- They can determine if it's related to a lupus flare or medication side effects
- You may need adjustments to your lupus treatment plan
Home Remedies to Try
- Lemon and honey
- Apple cider vinegar mixed with honey
- Listerine or other mouthwash gargles
- Avoid acidic, spicy, or hot foods that may irritate the sore
Monitor for Infection
Since lupus medications can weaken your immune system, mouth sores can increase infection risk. Watch for signs like increased pain, swelling, or fever.
A MyLupusTeam member shared: "I felt bumps inside my jaw and red bumps on my tongue. I also get sores in the corners of my mouth." Another said eating was so painful with sores on the roof of their mouth and back of their throat.
You don't have to live with this pain—reach out to your healthcare team for proper evaluation and treatment.
December 11, 2025
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