Why Are White Spots Reappearing On My Tonsils Near The End Of Antibiotics For Strep Throat, Even Though My Other Symptoms Are Gone?

Posted on Fri, 15 May 2020

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

Fri, 15 May 2020 Answered on

Thu, 6 Nov 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I saw my doctor recently for strep throat and received antibiotics. Tomorrow is my last dose. Over the past couple of days, I noticed the white spots on my tonsils recurring despite not having fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes anymore. I was wondering if this is a sign the infection is coming back or something else?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be a sign of resolving infection.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

White dots on the tonsil and back of the throat can be sign of tonsillitis and it will persist even after few days of recovery. Nothing much to worry and it will settle by itself. As of now, do warm saline gargles and avoid cold beverages. If the dots persist a throat swab may b required to rule out thrush (a kind of fungal infection) which presents with similar picture.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (20 hours later)

Thank you for answering. My primary concern is that the spots returned after going away completely. I'm now done my course of antibiotics and will self-monitor but what would be the right time to return to the doctor? Should I go back if my fever and swollen lymph nodes return, and not worry if they don't? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can wait couple of weeks.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

As you are asymptomatic, you can wait couple of weeks. Continue saline gargles. If possible, you can attach a picture in the follow up query.

Thanks and take care.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng