In his recent case involving a child with a black tongue,1 John Harrington, MD, noted that certain types of yeast and bacteria produce porphyrins that can give the tongue a black appearance. To Dr Harrington's comments, I would add that this condition can also occur after ingestion of bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). It is important to keep this in mind when obtaining a history.
- David M. Klein, MD
Boro Park Pediatric, PLLC
Brooklyn, NY
References:
REFERENCE:
1.
Harrington JW. Making the rounds: round 3.
Consultant For Pediatricians.
2007;6:157-164.
