Leukoplakia is the formation of white or grey patches found on the tongue and cheeks and sometimes on the mouth. When the soft mucous membrane of the mouth gets inflamed, it results in leukoplakia. This type of infection is more common on elder persons than adults.
Epstein Barr virus is found to cause oral hairy leukoplakia in the mouth or tongue. People who are affected with HIV virus are more prone to get luekoplakia. The symptom of unusual hair like structures is seen on the tongue or affected area and hence the name oral hairy leukoplakia is given.
By appearance, it may look like thrush or Candida infection which is found in adults but the virus causing leukoplakia is different.