Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is a common and superficial benign inflammatory disorder that affects the tongue epithelium. The majority of geographic tongue lesions typically manifest as irregular central erythematous patches. These lesions, which are caused by the loss of filiform papillae, are defined by an elevated whitish band-like border that can change location, size, and pattern over a period of time. Histological observations of the oral mucosa affected by geographic tongue revealed nonspecific inflammation. Some reports described cases of migratory stomatitis, wherein lesions simultaneously manifested on the extra lingual oral mucosa. This condition is also called ectopic geographic tongue, which is clinically and histologically similar to the type normally confined to the tongue. In most cases, patients are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. The condition may spontaneously exhibit periods of remission and exacerbation with good prognosis. The specific etiology of geographic tongue remains unknown. Geographic tongue is age-related and is prevalent among young individuals. Various etiological factors that have been suggested in literature include immunological factors, genetic factors, atopic or allergic tendency, emotional stress, tobacco consumption, hormonal disturbances, and zinc deficiency. Geographic tongue may coexist with other disorders, such as fissured tongue, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, gastroin-testinal diseases, burning mouth syndrome, and Down syndrome. Experts currently disagree on whether geographic tongue is an oral manifestation of psoriasis. Moreover, some scholars suggest that geographic tongue is a prestage of fissured tongue. The objective of this review is to summarize current research on risk factors of geographic tongue.%地图舌（良性游走性舌炎）是一种常见的浅表性良性舌部炎症，临床表现为丝状乳头剥脱红斑区伴周围黄白条带状微凸边缘，病理为非特异性炎症表现，大多数患者无症状，病损可自愈，常有复发，一般不需药物治疗。当病损累及舌部以外口腔黏膜时称异位性地图舌（游走性口炎），其临床表现及组织病理学特点均似地图舌。地图舌病因尚不明确，与年龄相关，儿童多发；危险因素复杂，包括免疫因素、遗传因素、过敏体质、精神压力、吸烟、内分泌因素以及缺锌等；可伴发其他疾病如沟纹舌、银屑病、糖尿病、胃肠紊乱、灼口综合征或唐氏综合征等。地图舌是否为银屑病的口腔表征尚存争议，其与沟纹舌关系尚待进一步研究。本文就地图舌危险因素的研究进展作一综述。
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