This condition is also called a Geographic Tongue due to the behavior of the lesions, which tend to "migrate" from one area of the tongue to another. The exact cause for the condition remains unknown, although it tends to occur with more intensity in cases of emotional stress. Females are twice as affected as males, but no racial differences have been observed. The lesions here are yellowish-white or deep red in color depending on the papillae that are affected. The area of the lesion loses its epithelial lining, making hot foods seem hotter. The areas of desquamation (epithelium peel-off) persist for a while, regress spontaneously, but reappear over time. Patients with this condition are usually asymptomatic and the lesions themselves are an incidental finding during routine check-up. Again there is no known treatment for the disease, but some doctors have reported moderate success with vitamins and mineral supplements.