Kate McKinnon Details Her Experience with Geographic Tongue

Saturday Night Live alum Kate McKinnon has revealed a personal health condition. She shared her diagnosis of geographic tongue in a recent interview. The comedian described the condition as “gross” during her conversation with People magazine.

McKinnon discussed how she and a fellow actor both experience this unusual oral condition. She explained they often compare how “geographic” their tongues appear on different days. The actress currently stars in the new film The Roses alongside Benedict Cumberbatch.

Understanding Geographic Tongue Condition

Geographic tongue is a harmless inflammatory condition. It affects the surface of the tongue in distinctive patterns. According to Mayo Clinic, those with geographic tongue lack papillae in patches on their tongue’s surface.

The condition creates map-like patterns that resemble land formations. These patterns give the condition its distinctive name. The appearance changes over time as the affected areas migrate across the tongue.

Medical experts consider geographic tongue a benign condition. It does not pose serious health risks to those who have it. The National Institutes of Health confirms it is not linked to infection or cancer.

Kate McKinnon’s Career Updates and Personal Revelations

McKinnon remains busy with multiple projects despite her tongue condition. She recently published a children’s book titled Secrets of the Purple Pearl. This marks the second installment in her Millicent Quibb series.

The actress also stars in the satirical comedy The Roses. The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Olivia Colman. It was released to audiences on August 29.

During her People interview, McKinnon shared other personal details. She revealed her current obsession with an Azerbaijan-based family’s lifestyle blog. Her last impulse purchase was a portable band saw used by tradespeople.

Geographic tongue affects approximately 1-3% of people worldwide according to medical sources. While McKinnon finds it “gross,” medical professionals emphasize it’s completely harmless and requires no treatment for most individuals.

Thought you’d like to know

What exactly is geographic tongue?

Geographic tongue is a harmless inflammatory condition affecting the tongue’s surface. It creates irregular, map-like patches where the small bumps (papillae) are missing. These patches can change location and pattern over time.

Is geographic tongue painful or dangerous?

For most people, geographic tongue causes no pain or health concerns. Some individuals might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity to certain foods. The condition is not contagious and doesn’t lead to more serious health issues.

What causes geographic tongue?

The exact cause remains unknown to medical researchers. Some studies suggest potential links to psoriasis or genetic factors. Emotional stress and hormonal changes might trigger or worsen symptoms in some cases.

How common is geographic tongue?

Geographic tongue affects an estimated 1-3% of the population. It can appear at any age but is more frequently noticed in adults. The condition appears to affect women slightly more often than men.

Can geographic tongue be treated?

Most cases require no treatment as the condition is harmless. For those experiencing discomfort, doctors might recommend mild pain relievers or mouth rinses. Avoiding tobacco and spicy foods can help minimize irritation.

Trusted Sources: People Magazine, Mayo Clinic, National Institutes of Health