![Strep throat is a common cause of white spots in the throat, but oral thrush, tonsillitis and other infections may also cause this symptom.](https://images.emedicinehealth.com/images/article/main_image/is-a-strep-throat-a-symptoms-of-covid-19.jpg?output-quality=75)
White spots in the throat are most frequently caused by infections.
There are several possible causes for white spots in the throat.
- Strep throat, caused by Streptococcus (group A strep) bacteria
- Tonsillitis
- Oral thrush, a type of yeast infection in the mouth caused by Candida albicans
- Mononucleosis
- Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths)
- Enlarged tonsils without signs of infection
- Oral herpes
- Leukoplakia, usually caused by smoking or chewing tobacco
- Lichen Planus
What Other Symptoms May Accompany White Spots in Your Throat?
Other symptoms that may accompany white spots in the throat include:
Strep Throat
- Pain on swallowing
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen or sore lymph nodes on the front of the neck
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Red spots on the roof of your mouth
Rash (scarlet fever)
- Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
Tonsillitis
- Red tonsils
- Sore throat
- Sore or swollen lymph nodes on the side of your neck
- Hoarseness, changes in your voice, or laryngitis
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stiff neck
- Cough
- Headache
- Feeling unwell (malaise)
- Earache
- Tiredness
- Bad breath
Oral thrush
- Red spots and bleeding under the white patches
- Feels like cotton is in the mouth
- Unpleasant taste in mouth
- Pain or burning sensation on the tongue
- Difficulty eating, swallowing, speaking, or tasting foods and drinks
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Not wanting to feed (in babies)
Mononucleosis
- Extreme tiredness/fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen and sore lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- Head and muscle aches
- Swollen liver or spleen or both
- Rash
Tonsil stones
- Bad breath
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- Swollen tonsils
- Cough
- Enlarged tonsils without signs of infection
- Tonsils may enlarge due to immune response in the body
- Round masses in the back of the throat
- Trouble swallowing
Oral herpes
- Severe, flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and headache
- Sores on and around the lips and mouth
Leukoplakia
- Spots can be anywhere in the mouth
Lichen Planus
- Burning or pain
- Bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing
- Sensitivity to hot, spicy, or acidic foods
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Painful, thick patches on the tongue
- Discomfort speaking, chewing, or swallowing
What Is the Treatment for White Spots in Your Throat?
Treatment for white spots in the throat depends on the cause.
- Strep throat, caused by streptococcus bacteria
- Tonsillitis
- If caused by a virus, rest and adequate hydration may be all that is needed
- If caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed
- Oral thrush
- Antifungal medications
- Mononucleosis
- Tonsil stones
- Tonsil stones may go away on their own and often no treatment is needed
- Medications used to treat tonsil stones may include antibiotics for infection or antihistamines to treat sinus problems or allergies
- Laser treatment (laser tonsil cryptolysis)
- Coblation cryptolysis
- Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy)
- Enlarged tonsils without signs of infection
- No treatment is necessary if there are no symptoms
- If patients have problems swallowing, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended
- Oral herpes
- Oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir
- Topical antiviral ointments, such as acyclovir and penciclovir
- Over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetics or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms
- Leukoplakia
- Lichen Planus
- May go away on its own but can also last years
- Prescription mouthwashes and sprays can help relieve burning or sore gums
- Corticosteroids, oral, topical, or by injection
- Immunosuppressants
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