What Causes Swelling And White Dots On Tonsils Post Strep Throat Recovery?

Posted on Wed, 20 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : One of my tonsils is slightly swollen and has some white dots as well however it is completely painless. I also just had strep throat and just finished my round of antibiotics.
What might be the cause of this?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tonsillar crypts

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are concerned about white patches on the tonsils that are painless and persistent despite antibiotic use. The white patches are called tonsillar crypts. These are small holes that can get food particles stuck in them and then produce white areas from the bacterial growth and white blood cells combating the irritation. These are normal and not pathological. We do not do anything to get rid of the white patches. We let them be. They do not cause any harm.

In summary
White patches are normal tonsillar crypts

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar